CHEMICALS ON THE FARM
EMERGENCIES

Wayland McKenzie,
Research Associate Professor at MU

Common symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, convulsions or tremors, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, pain in the chest or abdomen, or extremes of behavior. Remember that some of these symptoms could be confused with other problems, such as a stroke or heart attack.

1. Get the victim away from the chemical. Before approaching the victim, make sure that you will not be exposed to the poison as well. Get the label from the chemical if it is possible to do without exposing yourself, observe the instructions on it, and bring it with you to the hospital.
2. Call a doctor or poison control center.
3. Remove chemical-soaked clothes, and wash the exposed skin as much as possible. Again, remember not to touch the poison.
4. If the poison has been swallowed, induce vomiting ONLY IF the warning label instructs you to do so. If the poison is corrosive, such as:
   • Acids - have victim use milk of magnesia or other medicines for treatment of indigestion
   • Bases, ex: ammonia - victim should drink weak acids such as vinegar or orange juice
   • Chlordane or Heptachlor - have victim drink tap water
   A corrosive chemical leaves signs of burns around the mouth and throat. Keep the victim in a kneeling position or lying on his side while vomiting. Ipecac syrup or warm water (add mild soap if available) is effective for inducing vomiting.
5. If the victim is not breathing, use artificial respiration- do not expose yourself by breathing directly into the victim's mouth.
6. Protect the victim from shock. Keep the victim warm enough not to shiver. Keep feet elevated. Reassure the victim often.