Logic would have it that in the case of coming into contact with poisons, one should remove from the body any toxic substance that has entered it, but clinical observations have shown that this approach is often practiced by only a few people and with questionable benefits. In addition, impairments in physical state may result from the substances administered for this purpose.
Environmental exposure
Steps must be taken to stop the exposure of toxic substances. Anyone in a polluted atmosphere should be removed and taken to fresh air without endangering rescuers. In case toxic gases and vapors are exhaled or inhaled, ventilation of the room can be encouraged, trying to speed up the removal of the toxic substance.
Skin contamination
If a toxic substance is deposited on the skin , it is possible to see skin reactions; in fact, only some garments are totally impermeable. In this case, the patient should be undressed immediately and the skin washed with soap and water. The eyes also need to be rinsed with plenty of water or saline solution.
Stomach emptying
Many times it happens that poisons enter the body by ingestion. In this case, the toxic substance must be recovered before it advances down the alimentary canal. The simplest way isgastric aspiration and a gastric lavage. This procedure is not without dangers and should not be considered as a method that should always be applied.
Source: Roy Goulding’s Vademecum of Poisoning Therapy.
