DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

What are YOU gonna do about…POISONING?Please make sure you have the local Poison Control Center phonenumber near a telephone since many poisonings can be cared for withoutthe help of ambulance personnel. The people who staff Poison ControlCenters (PCCs) have access to information on most poisonous substancesand can tell you what care to give to counteract the poison.POISON CONTROL CENTER # 1-800-222-1222 (U.S. only)If outside U.S., write in local Poison Control Centre phone # below:______________________________________POISON - ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKINReview TERRORISM (in Section 2) for information, signs & symptoms, andtreatment on several poisonous chemical and biological agents that couldbe absorbed through skin.Things to watch for…Reddened skin or burnsPoison on skin, clothing or in the areaBites or marks from insect or animal (see BITES &STINGS)Possible Allergic Reaction - Pain, discoloration or rednessat site, trouble breathing, signs of shock (pale,cold, drowsy, weak or rapid pulse, etc.)What to do…• Be aware - make sure it’s safe, then ask what happened.• Move victim to safety (away from poison), if necessary.• Find the container (if any) or name of the poison and calllocal Poison Control Center or an ambulance.• Remove clothing that may have poison on it - don’t pullover head - cut it off. (Seal clothing in a bag then seal thatbag in a bag - ask officials how to dispose of it later.)• Flush skin with running water for 10 minutes.• Wash area gently with soap and water. (Note: some chemicalagents don’t suggest using soap so may want to ask.)• Monitor breathing and watch for any allergic reactions.200 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325