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Poisons are substances that negatively affect our body systems, usually by means of a chemical reaction. Toxins are poisons produced by a biological organism in nature. Venom, for example, is an example of a toxin that is injected via a bite or sting in order to cause its effect.
We usually think of poisons as highly toxic chemicals not meant for human use, such as cyanide, paint thinners, or household cleaning products. The truth is that many poisons are in fact things which humans intentionally ingest such as foods, liquids, or medications. Food and water may become poisonous due to mishandling or not by taking proper hygienic precautions. A perfect example would be not filtering stream water which may have animal or human waste, diseases, and bacteria.
Medications that are helpful in therapeutic doses may be deadly when taken in excess. Coumadin is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots, but is also the active ingredient in many rat poisons and may cause heavy bleeding and death if too much is taken (kinda awkward, huh?). Even vitamin supplements such as vitamins A and D, if taken in large amounts can cause liver failure or even death.
There are four ways that toxins can enter the body: topical absorption through the skin or mucous membranes, inhalation by breathing the substance, ingestion, and injection into the body.
Learn more about poisoning and toxins in the new book, The Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness First Aid (ISBN: 978-1-105-18894-7) at www.WFAbook.com.
We usually think of poisons as highly toxic chemicals not meant for human use, such as cyanide, paint thinners, or household cleaning products. The truth is that many poisons are in fact things which humans intentionally ingest such as foods, liquids, or medications. Food and water may become poisonous due to mishandling or not by taking proper hygienic precautions. A perfect example would be not filtering stream water which may have animal or human waste, diseases, and bacteria.
Medications that are helpful in therapeutic doses may be deadly when taken in excess. Coumadin is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots, but is also the active ingredient in many rat poisons and may cause heavy bleeding and death if too much is taken (kinda awkward, huh?). Even vitamin supplements such as vitamins A and D, if taken in large amounts can cause liver failure or even death.
There are four ways that toxins can enter the body: topical absorption through the skin or mucous membranes, inhalation by breathing the substance, ingestion, and injection into the body.
Learn more about poisoning and toxins in the new book, The Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness First Aid (ISBN: 978-1-105-18894-7) at www.WFAbook.com.
Shock, or hypoperfusion, is defined as a lack of oxygenated blood to the vital organs, which is a direct result of the reaction the body has to an unexpected, outside stimulus. The three major types of shock are hypovolemic shock, which is caused by a significant loss of blood or other bodily fluids; Vasogenic shock, which occurs when your blood vessels fail to maintain resistance to blood flow (they dilate), such as in sepsis and anaphylaxis; and psychogenic shock, which is the body’s normal response to pain injury, illness and/or emotional distress.
Simply put, shock is the brain’s reaction to an unexpected or unfavorable stimulus, which forces the body to go into a sort of ‘self-survival mode’ where all blood is re-routed from the extremities to the core, in order to protect the vital organs. Your arms, legs, and head are all considered extremities.
As the blood flow to the brain starts to decrease, its efficiency starts to diminish due to the lack of oxygenated blood and nutrients that allow it to function normally. This lack of oxygen is the primary cause of the many odd signs and symptoms that we see.
Simply put, shock is the brain’s reaction to an unexpected or unfavorable stimulus, which forces the body to go into a sort of ‘self-survival mode’ where all blood is re-routed from the extremities to the core, in order to protect the vital organs. Your arms, legs, and head are all considered extremities.
As the blood flow to the brain starts to decrease, its efficiency starts to diminish due to the lack of oxygenated blood and nutrients that allow it to function normally. This lack of oxygen is the primary cause of the many odd signs and symptoms that we see.
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