Drug Poisoning

Drug poisoning can be deliberate or accidental. Drugs may be prescription only, illegally supplied, or freely available from a chemist. The signs and symptoms of drug poisoning will vary, depending on the drug that has been taken.

First Aid Treatment

1. Keep yourself safe. The effect of some drugs, both legally and illegally supplied, can be to cause aggression or irrational behaviour in the person who has taken them. lf this is the case, do not approach the casualty. Call an ambulance instead and explain the situation. They will make a decision about whether the police need to be called.
2. Monitor and maintain the airway and breathing and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary, if it is safe for you to do so.
3. If the person becomes unconscious, place him or her into the recovery position.
4. Call for medical help and stay by the casualty until assistance arrives.
5. Look for clues as to the cause of the poisoning and inform medical staff.