Poisoning & Overdose

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Poisons are everywhere and can hurt a learner in different ways. A child can ingest, inhale, spill on their skin, or get a substance in their eyes. Poisons can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the skin or eyes, or injected. Call Poison Control when you suspect poisoning from:

  • Medicines
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Snake bites
  • Plants
  • Chemicals/cleaners
  • Drugs/alcohol
  • Food poisoning
  • Inhalants
  • Or if you are not sure
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Signs and Symptoms of Poisoning or Overdose

  • Pills, berries, or unknown visible around the student
  • substances visible in the student's mouth
  • Burns visible around the mouth or on skin
  • Strange odor on breath
  • Sweating
  • Upset stomach or vomiting
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Student verbalizes that they took something orally
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Actions

  1. Take away the poison. If it is safe to do so.
  2. Use universal precautions.
  3. Call for help. Dial the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or call 911. 
    1. Provide as many details as you can:
    2. Age and weight of the student
    3. What the student swallowed, came into contact with, or inhaled
    4. How much and when was it taken (if available)
  4. Provide basic first aid (if trained).
    1. Wash the skin or flush eyes if exposed, and 
    2. Move to fresh air if inhaled.
  5. Stay calm and explain what happened.
  6. Stay with the student until help arrives.
  7. If the student becomes unconscious, place the child in the recovery position on their side and check their airway:
    1. Utilize stock naloxone (if available) for suspected overdose.
    2. If the student stops breathing, start CPR (if trained).
  8. Do not hang up from the Poison Center or 911 until told to do so.
  9. Wash your hands.
  10. Notify the school nurse and parents.
  11. Document the date and time, any delegated or certified interventions provided, observations, student response to intervention (if applicable), and your signature and credentials (if applicable).
  12. If the student has a Substance Use Disorder and has an EAP, follow the EAP steps.
  13. Follow any additional school or program procedure(s).
  14. Debrief with the school nurse.
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