What to do in case of Poisoning:
Give the antidote at once and then give the emetic if one is needed. If for any reason the emetic cannot be given until sometime after the poson has been taken, it should not be given at all for the poison will then have had time to be absorbed in the system and emetic would then do no good but on the other hand would do injury by weakening the patient. n case of poisoning act quickly for there is no time to loose.
What not to do in case of Poisoning:
Do not get excited. Do not loose time. Do no cause vomiting or use the stomache pump if the poisoning is due to some corrosive acid.
Acid or Corrosive Poisoning:
The mineral acids, destroy the walls of the gullet and stomach. They do not cause death as a result of ther being absorbed into the system, but as a result of their destruction of the structures with which they come into contact. Some of them, however, produce many dangerous changes in the general system. Some, like carbolic acid, destroy life by paralyzing the nervous system and particularly the nerves of the heart.
The first drink to give in corrosive poisoning like poisoning from carbolic acid, corrosive sublimate or any of the mineral acids, is something mucilaginous of a soothing nature. Whites of eggs, milk, flax seed tea, slippery elm water, etc. are mucilaginous drinks. The stomach pump is dangerous when the poisoning is due to a corrosive poison as forcing the tube into the stomach might increase the local danger of puncturing the gullet or stomach. This refers to poisoning from carbolic acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric or muriatic acid, sulphuric acid, acetic acid, etc.
Neither should the pump be used fter poisoning by strong alkalies as they also injure the mucous membrane of the gullet and stomach and the tube might do further injury. Emetics whould also increase the damage done. Acid poisons are neutralized or overcome by alkalies. Soda, magnesia, chalk and soap are alkaies. Poisoning by alkalies can be somewhat overcome by giving vegetable acids. Lemon juice and vinegar are vegetable acids. Water can also be useful when given in large quantities.
Antidotes You Should Always Keep on Hand: Antidotes are medicines gien to counteract or overcome the effects of poisons. Besides soda, magnesia, chalk, eggs, flaxseed, milk, soap, lard, alum, justard, tea, lemons and vinegar, every family should keep on hand some sulphate of copper in two grain doses put up in powders. This is especially good for poisoning by matches or phosphorus. Tannin or tannic acid is another good thing to always have handy. It is usually given in one third teaspoonful doses. Jeaunels Solution is another good thing to keep handy for emergencies as it is good for a number of poisons. It is composed of 2 ounces of calcined magnesia, 1 ounce of animal charcoal and 20 ounces of water.
The People's Home Medical Book 1910 page 266
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