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Competency Area 8: Protecting Humans from Pesticide Exposure

PO 53. Recognize general procedures to follow if pesticide gets on skin, in eyes, in mouth or stomach, or if inhaled.

Poison on the Skin
• The faster the poison is washed off the patient, the less injury that will result.
• Drench skin and clothing with water (shower, hose, faucet, pond).
• Remove clothing.
• Cleanse skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water. Detergents and commercial cleansers are better than soap.
• Dry and wrap in a blanket.
• WARNING: Do not allow any pesticide to get on you while you are helping the victim.

Poison in the Eye
• It is most important to wash the eye out quickly but as gently as possible.
• Hold eyelids open and wash eye with a gentle stream of clean running water.
• Continue washing for fifteen minutes or more. It is important to use a large volume of water. If possible, at least five gallons should be used to flush the eye properly.
• Do not use chemicals or drugs in wash water. They may increase the extent of the injury.
• Cover the eye with a clean piece of cloth and seek medical attention immediately.

Inhaled Poisons (dusts, vapors, gases)
• If victim is in an enclosed space, do not go in after him unless you are wearing an air-supplied respirator.
• Carry patient (do not let him walk) to fresh air immediately.
• Open all doors and windows.
• Loosen all tight clothing.
• Apply artificial respiration if breathing has stopped or is irregular.
• Keep victim as quiet as possible.
• If victim is convulsing, watch their breathing and protect them from falling and striking their head.
Keep the chin up so the air passage will remain free for breathing.
• Prevent chilling (wrap patient in blankets but don't overheat).
• Do not give the victim alcohol in any form.

Swallowed Poisons When should you make the victim vomit?
The most important choice to make when aiding a person who has swallowed a pesticide, is whether or not to make them vomit. The decision must be made quickly and accurately by a health care professional because the victim's life may depend on it. Get help from a physician or the poison control center. .. But it is important to know:
• Never induce vomiting if the victim is unconscious or is having convulsions. The victim could choke to death on the vomitus.
• Never induce vomiting if the victim has swallowed a corrosive poison.
• Never induce vomiting if the person has swallowed petroleum products such as kerosene, gasoline, oil, or lighter fluid. Most pesticides, which come in liquid formulations, are dissolved in petroleum products.