It is impossible, in the small space available, to give anything like a detailed scheme of the treatment of the various poisons, but a few hints on the essential points must not be omitted.
I have therefore arranged a list of the commoner poisons, together with the special treatment appropriate to each. Following this are a few hints more especially adapted to the requirements of travellers.
Poison should be suspected (a) when severe and alarming symptoms of illness suddenly attack a person apparently in good health; (b) if the symptoms closely follow the taking of food, drink, or medicines; (c) if several people are attacked after having partaken of the same food or drink.
The points to be attended to in the treatment of cases of poisoning are:—
a. Remove as much of the poison as possible from the stomach. To do this, it is usual to give an emetic, such as mustard and water, or zinc sulphate, thirty grains; or to pass the soft rubber tube down the gullet, and wash out the stomach with water.
b. Counteract the effect of the poison by an antidote.
c. Keep up the patient’s strength till the poison is removed from the system.
d. Relieve pain.
Travellers may be poisoned in the following ways:—
1. By poisonous bites, arrow wounds, etc.