Definition

Poisoning can be caused by accidental or intentional ingestions of toxic substances or overdoses from certain medications. It is a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures worldwide. 

According to the National Safety Council, poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States.⁷ It includes the following:

• Inadvertent ingestion of drugs
• Excessive use of a drug
• Exposure to environmental substances

Prescription Drug Overdose

The most common type of poisoning is prescription drug overdose. The most common prescription drug overdose is opioids. It is estimated that 136 people die from opioid overdoses every day.⁸

The Poison Control Center

The first aid responder’s general approach to dealing with suspected or confirmed poisoning is to immediately call a poison control center. They can offer free expert medical advice when it is suspected that someone has come into contact with a poison. The Poison Help line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-222-1222 or on the web at www.PoisonHelp.org. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers 2019 data, there were just over 2.5 million calls handled by the 55 national poison control centers that year.⁹

Call the Poison Control Center in the event of a drug overdose.

The first responder should be ready to supply the following information if known:

1. The poison that the person has come in contact with or intentionally ingested 
2. Whether or not the ingestion or exposure is acute or chronic 
3. Whether there is one poison or several 
4. When the poison was ingested
5. Whether or not the patient is experiencing any symptoms

Signs and Symptoms (Toxidromes)

Poisons can cause a wide range of symptoms and clinical findings. These signs and symptoms are known as toxidromes and include:

Common Poisoning Syndromes

First Aid Interventions for Poisoning

In life-threatening situations, responders should always call 9-1-1 before calling poison control if the patient has an altered level of consciousness or respiratory pattern.

Self-inflicted poisoning or suicidal ideation is a medical and psychiatric emergency. The first aid responder should do the following:

1. Stay with the patient while waiting for the EMS team to arrive. If in a closed room with exposure to volatile chemicals, move the patient immediately to an area with fresh air.
2. If the patient has intentionally ingested several medications, search for medicines inside their mouth, and, if present, these can be removed carefully with a gloved hand. The patient should not be made to vomit unless directed by Poison Control.
3. Wear the recommended PPE before decontaminating the patient.
4. If the poison was spilled on the patient and their clothes have absorbed the chemical, remove the contaminated clothing and spray the patient with warm water.  
5. Perform high-quality CPR if the patient deteriorates to cardiac arrest.