Chapter 16

Poisons, Toxins, and Poisonous Plants

Lesson Objectives (1 of 2)

• Identify the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning.• Assess and manage carbon monoxide poisoning.• Identify the signs of and know how to manage

poison ingestion.• Recognize and treat plant-induced dermatitis.

Overview

• Many commonly used products are toxic to some people when used appropriately, and they can be toxic to anyone when used inappropriately.

• Chemical poisons are not common in the wilderness.

• Should learn the basic principles to treat most poisonings.

• Never touch or eat a plant unless you know that it is safe.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (1 of 6)

• Can be caused by:– Cooking on a stove in a tightly closed tent

or snow cave– A camper with a faulty heater or stove– Prolonged use of a car heater with the

motor idling

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (2 of 6)

• What to look for:– Flu-like symptoms, generalized aching,

or swollen glands– Similar symptoms in others exposed– Sick pets– Difficulty with breathing– Headache

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (3 of 6)

• What to look for:– Ringing in the ears– Chest pain– Muscle weakness– Nausea and vomiting– Dizziness and blurred or double vision– Altered mental status

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (4 of 6)

• What to look for:– Cardiac arrest– In the terminal stages of carbon monoxide

poisoning, bright pink skin

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (5 of 6)

• What to do:– Do not go into an enclosed space where

someone has collapsed without first trying to determine the cause of the problem.

– When it is safe, move the victim into fresh air immediately.

– Check breathing.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (6 of 6)

• What to do:– Give CPR, if necessary.– Give the victim oxygen, if available.– Call for rescue and evacuate as soon

as possible.

Toxic Plants and Poisons (1 of 4)

• Do not eat plants you cannot identify. • Never eat mushrooms unless you are sure

they are safe.

Toxic Plants and Poisons (2 of 4)

• What to look for:– Abdominal pain and cramping– Nausea or vomiting– Diarrhea– Burns, odor, and stains around the mouth– Drowsiness or unresponsiveness– Poison containers or evidence of poisonous

plants nearby

Toxic Plants and Poisons (3 of 4)

• What to do:– Determine critical information:

• Age and size of victim• What was swallowed• How much was swallowed• When it was swallowed

Toxic Plants and Poisons (4 of 4)

• What to do:– Place the victim on the left side.– Evacuate as soon as possible. – Take a specimen of the plant for

identification by an expert.

Plant-Induced Dermatitis (1 of 3)

© Jim W. Grace/Photo Researchers, Inc.Courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

© Thomas Photography LLC/Alamy Images © Thomas J. Peterson/Alamy Images

Plant-Induced Dermatitis (2 of 3)

• What to look for:– Itching, redness, swelling, blisters.– Reaction can start 8 to 48 hours after

exposure.– Reaction can continue for several days.

Plant-Induced Dermatitis (3 of 3)

• What to do:– Wash exposed areas with cold water.

– For mild, localized contact, apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.

– For severe, generalized reaction, apply calamine lotion and seek medical care.

– Apply hydrocortisone cream, cover with transparent plastic wrap, and bind with a bandage.

– Soak affected area in hot water.