Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [31]
7. Seek medical attention immediately if the victim is drowsy, unconscious, having difficulty breathing or has stopped breathing.
8. If the person is uncontrollably restless or agitated, or having seizures, seek medical attention immediately.
Plant
More than 60 plans can cause allergic reactions, but poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are by far the most common. An allergic reaction can begin between 6 and 72 hours after exposure.
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac
Signs of plant poisoning include:
• Rash
• Itching
• Redness
• Blisters
• Swelling
Treatment:
1. If you know you have been exposed, immediately clean the exposed area with soap and cold water to remove the plant’s oil resin, or use a liberal amount of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) then rinse. Too little rubbing alcohol will only spread the resin.
2. Have the victim soak in a lukewarm bath sprinkled with one to two cups of colloidal oatmeal.
3. Apply calamine lotion or zinc oxide.
4. Apply a paste made from 1 teaspoon water and 3 teaspoons baking soda.
5. Apply an over-the-counter corticosteroid ointment and take an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl.
6. For a severe reaction, take a physician-prescribed oral corticosteroid such as Prednisone.
Stomach
Contents
Stomach
Food Poisoning
All foods contain small amounts of naturally occurring bacteria, however, improper cooking, handling or storage can result in the bacteria multiplying to large enough numbers to cause illness.
Food can also contain parasites, viruses, toxins and chemicals, however, this type of contamination is much less common. Infants, young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk from food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning generally include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting.
Botulism is a potentially fatal food poisoning caused by a toxin formed by certain spores in food. It is most often found in home-canned foods, especially green beans and tomatoes, and symptoms usually begin 12 to 36 hours after eating the contaminated food. Symptoms include: headache, blurred vision, muscle weakness and paralysis, urinary retention, difficulty breathing and dry mouth. Seek medical attention immediately if botulism is suspected.
Treatment:
1. Seek medical attention for symptoms lasting longer than 3 days or if blood appears in the victim’s stools.
2. If watery diarrhea turns very bloody, seek medical attention immediately.
3. Rest and drink plenty of liquids.
4. Don’t use anti-diarrheal medications because they may slow elimination of bacteria from your system.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. It can be caused by: viruses, bacteria, parasites, medications, or even reaction to a new food. Infants who are breast-fed may react to changes in their mothers’ diets.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis can last for up to a week and include:
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Low-grade fever
Treatment for Adults:
1. Do not allow the victim to eat or drink for several hours in order to let their stomach settle.
2. Have them drink plenty of liquids, such as Gatorade or water, to prevent dehydration.
3. Gradually introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice, applesauce and chicken.
4. Discontinue food if the nausea returns, and have the victim avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
5. Administer aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen if needed for pain.
6. Encourage the victim to rest, gastroenteritis and dehydration cause weakness and exhaustion.
7. Seek medical attention if vomiting or diarrhea lasts for more than two days, or if extreme abdominal pain develops.
8. Seek medical attention if diarrhea turns bloody, or if the victim runs a fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or higher.
9. If the victim becomes confused, lightheaded or faints upon standing, seek medical