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                                DRUG POISONING
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  This condition is caused by accidental overdose or drug abuse. Drug
  abuse may broadly be defined as the self administration of a drug in a
  manner that is not in accordance with the approved medical or social
  patterns. Drugs can be swallowed, inhaled or injected into the body.
  
  Narcotics  ..... eg. Heroin
  ---------
  These are usually injected but can be taken in tablet form or inhaled.

  Breathing becomes difficult and eventually will cease.
  Casualty may have injection marks on the front of one or both arms.

  Depressants .... eg. barbituates and tranquillisers
  -----------
  Breathing will be shallow.
  Casualty's skin will feel cold and clammy.
  Weak and rapid pulse.
  Possible unconsciousness.

  Stimulants .... eg. amphetamines
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  Casualty will be excitable and sweating profusely.
  Casualty may be suffering from tremors and hallucinations.

  Hallucinogens ....eg. glue-sniffing/L.S.D.
  -------------
  Casualty will be anxious and sweating.
  Casualty may be acting very strangely.

  Asprin Overdose
  ---------------
  Casualty has abdominal pain, and may be vomiting. Vomit may be blood
  stained.
  
  Casualty may be depressed and drowsy.
  Casualty may complain of ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
  Difficulty in breathing.
  Casualty will be sweating profusely.
  Full pulse.

  GENERAL TREATMENT
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  1: Quickly ask the conscious casualty what has happened; remember that
     the casualty may lose consciouness at any moment.

  2: If the casualty is unconscious, but breathing normally, place in the
     Recovery Position. ( see Resusitation ).

  3: If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin Resusitation immediately.

  4: Remove to the hospital immediately. Send any samples of vomit and
     containers such as pill bottles, or srynge found nearby to the
     hospital with the casualty.

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