Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs--treatment. The student understands how to seek emergency help for self and others in poisoning and overdose situations

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.HEALTH.3.16 primary
  describe the signs of poisoning or overdose and identify how to respond, including who to contact for help.

Lesson Overview

This Grade 3 health education lesson teaches students to recognize the signs of poisoning or overdose and understand how to respond safely. Students will learn who to contact for help and practice emergency response skills related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The lesson aligns with TEKS.HEALTH.3.16 and uses direct teaching, guided practice, and reflection to build knowledge and skills.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common signs of poisoning or overdose in themselves or others.
• Describe appropriate responses to poisoning or overdose situations.
• Explain who to contact for emergency help in poisoning or overdose cases.

Success Criteria

• Students can list at least three signs of poisoning or overdose.
• Students can explain the steps to take when they suspect poisoning or overdose.
• Students can identify emergency contacts such as 911 or trusted adults to call for help.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should understand basic safety rules and know how to communicate clearly with adults and emergency responders.

Key Vocabulary

• Poisoning
• Overdose
• Emergency
• Signs
• Respond
• Help
• 911

Materials and Resources

• Scenario cards describing poisoning or overdose situations
• Visual aids showing signs of poisoning and overdose
• Phone or toy phone for role-playing emergency calls
• Chart paper and markers

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare scenario cards with simple poisoning or overdose examples appropriate for Grade 3.
• Review emergency contact procedures and local emergency numbers.
• Set up a safe space for role-play activities.
• Prepare visual aids illustrating signs of poisoning and overdose.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Poisoning and Overdose

Poisoning happens when someone swallows, breathes in, or touches something harmful, like certain chemicals or medicines. An overdose occurs when someone takes too much of a drug, which can be harmful or life-threatening. Both situations require quick action to keep the person safe.

Signs of Poisoning or Overdose

Common signs include feeling very sick, vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Sometimes the person may look pale or have unusual behavior. Recognizing these signs quickly helps in getting the right help.

How to Respond to Poisoning or Overdose

If you see someone showing signs of poisoning or overdose, stay calm and act quickly. First, tell a trusted adult immediately. If you are alone and the person is in danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. Do not try to give the person food or drink unless told by a professional. Follow instructions from emergency responders carefully.

Who to Contact for Help

In an emergency, calling 911 connects you to trained professionals who can send help right away. If you cannot call, find a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or neighbor to help. It is important to give clear information about what happened, where you are, and the person's condition.

Practicing Emergency Response Skills

Role-playing emergency calls and responses helps students feel confident. Practice describing the situation clearly, stating the signs you observe, and answering questions from the dispatcher. This prepares students to act quickly and correctly in real situations.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

In small groups, students read or listen to each scenario and point out signs of poisoning or overdose. They discuss possible responses and who to contact for help.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: Name two signs that someone might be poisoned or overdosing.
2. Developing: If you see someone who is confused and vomiting, what is the first thing you should do?
3. Application: Describe how you would call 911 to report a poisoning emergency. What information would you give?
4. Analysis: Why is it important not to give food or drink to someone who might be poisoned or overdosing before help arrives?
5. Challenge: Explain how practicing emergency calls can help you be ready to respond if someone is poisoned or overdosing.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. Signs include vomiting and dizziness.
2. 2. Tell a trusted adult or call 911 immediately.
3. 3. I would say where I am, what happened, the person's signs like vomiting and confusion, and follow the operator's instructions.
4. 4. Because it could make the situation worse or interfere with medical treatment.
5. 5. Practicing helps me stay calm, remember what to say, and act quickly and clearly in a real emergency.

Guiding Questions

• What are the signs of poisoning or overdose?
• How do you respond safely in these situations?
• Who do you call for emergency help?
• Why is it important to act quickly and calmly?

Common Misconceptions

• Poisoning only happens if someone eats something bad; it can also happen by breathing or touching harmful substances.
• You should always try to make the person vomit; this can be dangerous and should only be done if a professional says so.
• Calling 911 is only for adults; children should also know how to call for emergency help.
• If someone looks okay, they are not poisoned or overdosing; some signs may be hidden or develop quickly.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe students during role-play to check clear communication and understanding.
• Ask questions during discussions to assess knowledge of signs and responses.
• Write or draw the signs of poisoning or overdose and what to do if you see them.
• Create a safety plan poster showing steps to take in poisoning or overdose emergencies.

Answer Guide

• What are three signs of poisoning or overdose?
  Answer: Vomiting, dizziness, confusion.
• Who should you contact if you see someone showing signs of poisoning or overdose?
  Answer: Call 911 or tell a trusted adult.
• What is the first step you should take if you suspect poisoning or overdose?
  Answer: Stay calm and get help immediately.

Real-Life Application

Ask students to talk with their family about emergency phone numbers and practice how to call 911 or tell a trusted adult if they see someone who might be poisoned or overdosing.

Homework or Home Connection

• Ask students to talk with their family about emergency phone numbers and practice how to call 911 or tell a trusted adult if they see someone who might be poisoned or overdosing.

Lesson Summary

Students learned to recognize signs of poisoning and overdose, understand how to respond safely, and know who to contact for emergency help. They practiced calling 911 and telling trusted adults, preparing them to act quickly and calmly in real emergencies involving alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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