This may be caused by eating food which is contaminated by bacteria or toxins produced by bacteria that were already in the food.

Types of food poisoning.

[1] Bacterial is often caused by the group of Salmonella group of bacteria associated with farm land.
[2]Toxic food poisoning is frequently caused by toxins produced by the group of bacteria Staphylococcus.

Signs and symptoms:

• Nausea & Vomiting. Cramping Abdominal pain. Diarrhea [possibly blood stained]. Headache. Fever. Features of Shock [high pulse rate, low blood pressure, low body temperature, breathlessness or air hunger.
• Collapse.

How to prevent food poisoning

• Defrost the frozen poultry & meat fully before it is cooked.
• Cook meat, poultry, fish, eggs thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria.
• Never keep food lukewarm for long periods; bacteria can multiply without obvious signs of spoilage.
• Wash hands before preparing food.
• Wear protective gloves or waterproof if you have cuts on your hands.

First-Aid in food poisoning

• To encourage the casualty to lie down & rest. [ if conscious]
• To give the casualty plenty of bland fluids to drink.
• If vomiting is there then give him a bowl to use.
• If casualty is Drowsy or Unconscious apply

A-B-C & if needed C-P-R.

• Rush to the hospital.

Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol [ chemical name Ethanol ] is a drug which affects mainly the Central nervous system. Prolonged intake can badly impair all physical & mental abilities, & patient may be unconscious. DANGERS OF ALCOHOL POISONING

• Risk of Aspiration or Choking on vomiting
• Alcohol dilates the blood vessels, so hypothermia may develop if the casualty is exposed to cold.
• A casualty with Head injury & other injuries who smells of alcohol may be misdiagnosed & not receive appropriate treatment.

Recognition

[1] A strong smell of alcohol.
[2] Drowsy or loss of consciousness.
[3] A flushed & moist face.
[4] Deep, noisy breathing.
[5] A full bounding pulse.

LATER STAGE OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS.

• A dry, bloated appearance to the face.
• Shallow breathing.
• Dilated pupils that react poorly to light.
• A weak rapid pulse.

First-Aid in alcohol poisoning

• To take care of AIRWAY.
•  Check his level of consciousness.
•  In an unconscious casualty apply A-B-C.
•  If needed do C-P-R.
•  If doubt of head, spine injury or other injuries then take care of it, as per the first-aid  guidelines.
•  Remove the wet clothing and protect the casualty from cold.