Plant, Food & Alcohol

PLANT POISONING

Most plants in the UK are harmless although some If eaten can cause:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pains
• Diarrhoea
• Seizures
• Impaired responsiveness

Plants to look out for are wild arum, foxglove, laburnum, death cap mushrooms, ivy and mistletoe.

Treatment for plant poisoning is the same as drug poisoning.

FOOD POISONING

This is commonly caused by consuming contaminated food or drink. Some food poisoning is due to foods that already contain bacteria such as E.Coli and salmonella.

The onset of food poisoning can take hours or days.

Recognition:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pains
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Headache
• Impaired responsiveness

TREATMENT

• Encourage casualty to rest
• Offer them lots of bland fluid
• Try to establish the source of the poisoning
• Call for an ambulance if their condition deteriorates

ALCOHOL POISONING

Recognition:

• Smell of alcohol
• Evidence of empty containers
• Impaired responsiveness
• Flushed appearance
• Deep, noisy breathing
• Dilated pupils

TREATMENT

• Place them into the safe airway position
• Keep them warm
• Monitor their breathing
• Seek medical assistance if they have sustained other injuries e.g. a head injury