The presentation slides contain herein are proprietary to the St.

John
Ambulance, Singapore and are for use only in the FIRST AID training courses
conducted by St. John. Reproduction in any form prohibited. NOT FOR SALE
St. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE

FIRST AID TEACHING SLIDES

Compiled by: T. K. KHOO (2010)

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HOW POISONS AFFECT THE BODY

A poison (toxin) is a substance which if taken or
absorbed into the body in sufficient quantity can
cause temporary or permanent damage. Once
there, they may enter the bloodstream and be
carried swiftly to all organs and tissues.

Poisons can be:

Swallowed (ingested).
Absorbed through the skin.
Inhaled.
Splashed in the eye.
Injected through skin.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

SWALLOWED POISONS
Recognition
Depending on what
has been swallowed,
there may be:

Vomiting, sometimes
bloodstained,
later diarrhoea.
Cramping abdominal
pains.
Pain or burning sensation.
Empty container in vicinity.
Impaired consciousness.
Seizures.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

SWALLOWED POISONS contd

Treatment
If conscious, ask casualty what has been
swallowed, how much, when.
Call 995 for ambulance.
Monitor vital signs; keep vomitus.
If lips are burnt give sips of
cold milk or water.
Do not induce vomiting.
If unconscious, do ABC
check and perform CPR if needed.
Protect yourself with face
shield or pocket mask.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

DRUG POISONING
This can be due to an overdose of prescribed or
over-the-counter drugs, drug abuse or drug
interaction.

Treatment
If conscious, ask casualty what has been
taken; Do not induce vomiting.
Call 995 for ambulance.
Monitor and record vital signs.
Help identify the drug:
vomitus, containers, etc.
If unconscious, do ABC check
and perform CPR if needed.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

ANIMAL AND HUMAN BITES

Bites from sharp teeth cause deep punctured
wounds and carry infection, risk of rabies or
tetanus. A human bite has a risk, though small, of
hepatitis or HIV/AIDS virus infection.

Treatment

Wash the wound thoroughly

with soap and water to
minimise risk of infection.
Raise and support the wound;
pat dry with gauze swabs.
Cover the wound with sterile
dressing.
Send casualty to hospital.

SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

ANIMAL AND HUMAN BITES contd

Treatment
If wound is deep, control bleeding by
applying direct pressure and elevation.
Cover the wound with sterile dressing and
bandage firmly.
Treat for shock.
Call 995 for ambulance.

SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

INSECT STING
Recognition
Pain, redness and swelling.
May have allergic reaction
(see Anaphylaxis):
Breathing difficulty.
Swelling of face and neck, etc.

Treatment
Reassure casualty.
If sting is visible scrape it off
with a plastic card or fingernail.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

INSECT STING contd

Treatment
Elevate affected part and
apply cold compress for
at least 10 min.
Seek medical advice if
pain and swelling persists.
If he shows signs of allergic reaction, e.g.
wheezing, call 995 for ambulance.
Monitor vital signs.

For stings in the mouth and throat, give ice

to suck or cold water to sip. Call 995 if
swelling develops.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

SNAKE BITE
Recognition
A pair of punctured marks.
Severe pain, redness, swelling.
Nausea, vomiting.
Disturbed vision.
Increased salivation and sweating.
Laboured breathing; may
stop altogether.

SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

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SNAKE BITE contd.

Treatment
Let casualty lie down with head and
shoulders raised; reassure him.
Tell him to keep calm and be still.
Call 995 for ambulance.
Apply a pressure
bandage over the bite.

SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

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SNAKE BITE contd.

Treatment
Apply another pressure
bandage from the bite up the limb.
Immobilise the limb.
If he becomes unconscious, do ABC
check and perform CPR if needed.
Do not apply a
tourniquet, slash the
wound or try to suck
out the venom.

SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

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STINGS FROM SEA CREATURES

Recognition

Generally Pain, redness, swelling.

Nausea, vomiting, headache.

Treatment
Immerse affected part in hot water (40-41
degC for 10 min. to relieve pain, or wash with
plenty of cold water.
If there is extensive injury or severe reaction,
call 995 for ambulance.
Monitor vital signs.
For jellyfish stings, pour vinegar
or sea water on the affected area.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

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DIABETES MELLITUS
A chronic condition in which the body fails to
produce sufficient insulin to regulate the blood
sugar level.

Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)

Recognition
Warm dry skin.
Rapid pulse and breathing.
Sweet breath; excessive thirst.
Drowziness, leading to
unconsciousness.

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DIABETES MELLITUS contd.

Hypoglycaemia (Blood sugar level below normal)
Recognition
History of diabetes.
Weakness, faintness, hunger.
Confusion, irrational behaviour.
Sweating; cold, clammy skin.
Rapid pulse; palpitations, muscle tremors.
Deteriorating level of response.
Diabetic identification, glucose gel,
medication.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

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DIABETES MELLITUS contd.

Treatment
Help casualty to take his own
glucose gel or give sweet
food or drink.
If he responds quickly,
give more until he feels better.
Monitor until completely recovered.
If he does not respond or hyperglycaemia is
suspected call 995 for ambulance.
Monitor vital signs.
If he becomes unconscious,
do ABC check.
SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

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ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK
This is a severe allergic reaction affecting the whole body and
develops within seconds or minutes of contact with a trigger. The
casualty needs emergency treatment with an injection of adrenaline
(epinephrine).

Recognition
Features of allergy:
Red itchy rash or raised areas of skin.
Red itchy, watery eyes.
Swelling of hands, feet, face.
Abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
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ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK contd.

Recognition
Difficulty breathing, tight chest or
wheezing and gasping for air.
Pale or flushed face.
Swelling of tongue, throat; puffiness
around the eyes.
Feeling of terror; confusion and agitation.
Signs of shock leading to collapse.

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ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK contd.

Treatment
Call 995 for ambulance.
If casualty has an auto-injector
of adrenaline help him use it.
If he is unable to do it and you are
trained in using auto-injector, you may do it.
If he is pale with weak pulse let him lie down
with legs raised, otherwise let him sit up.
Monitor and record vital signs.
If he becomes unconscious do
ABC check.
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SJAA Poisoning, Bites & Stings, Medical Conditions

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