Drug poisoning or overdose
Recognition
ASPIRIN
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
- Confusion and delirium
- ‘Sighing’ when breathing
- Dizziness
PARACETAMOL
- Developing abdominal pains
- Nausea and vomiting
Tranquillisers
- Lethargy, sleepiness leading to unresponsiveness
- Shallow breathing
- Weak, irregular pulse
Narcotics
- Small pupils
- Sluggishness and confusion, possibly leading to unresponsiveness
- Slow, shallow breathing which may stop
- Needle marks which may be infected
Solvents
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Hallucinations
- Unresponsiveness – possibly
Stimulants
- Excitable, hyperactive behaviour, wildness and frenzy
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
Treatment
- Protect yourself
- If responsive, place them in a comfortable position and try to establish the drug that has been taken
- Call for an ambulance
- Monitor their breathing
- Keep samples of vomited material and try to find evidence of the drug that was taken
- Be prepared to resuscitate