PREVENTING ACCIDENTS

 

ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Vital organs can be damaged by electrical shock, it can cause the heart to stop and also respiration.

These are the three most common causes for electrical shock.

1. Appliances and lighting fixtures that are not working properly of that have frayed cords.

2. Temporary or poorly designed wiring.

3. Use of electrical appliance while standing on wet ground. or stretching cords across water.

HOW TO HELP A SHOCK VICTIM

• DETERMINE IF THE VICTIM IS STILL IN CONTACT WITH ELECTRICAL SOURCE:  If so, turn off or remove source using wood, cloth or a rolled up newspaper to move the source away from the person.  DO NOT touch the victim if the current is still in contact with them.

• CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! If you cannot call them have someone call them for you.

• After removing the electrical source give the person CPR if indicated.  For more information on CPR contact the red cross.

ANOTHER POTENTIAL DANGER IS FROM CHEMICALS AND DANGEROUS  MATERIALS.

Skin Contact:

Common cleaning agents and poisons can be absorbed through the skin (herbicides and lawn pesticides).  Always follow directions on the product, wear mask and gloves and make sure people do not walk on treated grass until it is safe.  Also keep pets off the treated surface. (caustic cleaning products should be treated in the same manner.  In either case, if your skin comes into contact with a product wash immediately.  After using one of these products shower and put on fresh clothes.

Food Contamination:

If food is consumed in a contaminated area, if food is prepared in a contaminated area, or if food is stored in a contaminated container there is a probability of contamination. Roach sprays and powders and rat poisons are 2 examples  of a poison that can accidentally get in the food  if a person is careless.

Inhalation:

Poisonous or contaminated airborne substances may be3 inhaled in a contaminated area if an appropriate mask is not used to filter the air. Wasp or bug bombs are 2 examples.   Be sure to read the directions.

SUBSTANCES that are not normally considered poisonous can harm an individual if the person is sensitive to the product. If the person breathes the product, consumes it or it is incorrectly applied it may harm the individual.

  COMMON CAUSES OF POISONING  

There are over 300,000 persons poisoned each year according to an article I read, about 3300 of these die,  The article goes on to state that 2/3 of the deaths are caused by deadly amounts of medications like aspirin, barbiturates, sleeping pills or tranquilizers.

IF A POISONING OCCURS

• REMAIN CALM

• WORK FAST

• FIND THE CONTAINER THAT CONTAINED THE SUBSTANCE

• CALL THE POISON CONTROL CENTER (LOCATED IN PHONE BOOK) OR 911AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.

• TAKE VICTIM TO EMERGENCY ROOM OR DOCTOR

• TAKE CONTAINER WITH YOU TO HOSPITAL

Reduce poisoning accidents by:

• Keep all meds and poisonous substances out of reach of susceptible individuals and away from food and drinks.

• Never store poisonous materials in unmarked containers or containers that can cause confusion.  

• Do not remove labels or put substances in other bottles.

• Be sure to label bottles correctly, even if it is a small quantity.

• Contact Poison Control Center immediately if it appears that a person has either ingested a substance or has been otherwise exposed.