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

Lesson Overview

This lesson teaches Grade 4 students to identify the signs of poisoning or overdose and understand how to respond safely and effectively, including who to contact for emergency help. Students will learn to recognize symptoms, practice response actions, and understand the importance of seeking immediate assistance for themselves or others in poisoning or overdose situations.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common signs and symptoms of poisoning or overdose.
• Explain the steps to take when someone is suspected of poisoning or overdose.
• Identify the appropriate emergency contacts to call for help in poisoning or overdose situations.
• Demonstrate how to respond safely and calmly in an emergency involving poisoning or overdose.

Success Criteria

• Students can list at least three signs of poisoning or overdose.
• Students can describe the correct response steps in a poisoning or overdose emergency.
• Students can identify the emergency phone number to call for help.
• Students can role-play a scenario demonstrating how to seek help for poisoning or overdose.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should understand basic safety rules and know how to use a telephone to call for help.

Key Vocabulary

• Poisoning
• Overdose
• Emergency
• Symptoms
• Response
• 911 (or local emergency number)

Materials and Resources

• Scenario cards describing poisoning or overdose situations
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers
• Role-play props (optional)

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare scenario cards with various poisoning or overdose situations.
• Review emergency procedures and local emergency contact numbers.
• Prepare a list of common signs and symptoms of poisoning and overdose to share with students.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Poisoning and Overdose

Poisoning occurs when a harmful substance enters the body through swallowing, inhaling, or skin contact. An overdose happens when someone takes too much of a drug or medicine, causing harmful effects. Both situations can be dangerous and require immediate attention. Signs may include confusion, vomiting, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, or unusual behavior.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

Common signs of poisoning or overdose include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, changes in skin color, unconsciousness, or seizures. Recognizing these signs quickly helps in responding appropriately to prevent harm.

How to Respond to Poisoning or Overdose

If you suspect poisoning or overdose, stay calm and act quickly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Provide the dispatcher with information about the person’s condition, what substance was involved if known, and your location. Do not give food or drink unless instructed by a professional. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Who to Contact for Help

In emergencies involving poisoning or overdose, always call 911 or the local emergency number. You can also contact poison control centers for advice, but in severe cases, emergency medical services are necessary. Knowing the correct number and how to communicate clearly is critical.

Role of Bystanders and Safety

If you are with someone who is poisoned or overdosed, your role is to keep them safe, monitor their condition, and get help. Do not try to treat the person yourself unless you are trained. Keep the person lying down if unconscious and turn them on their side if vomiting to prevent choking.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

In small groups, students read scenario cards and discuss what signs they notice and what they think should be done.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: Name two signs that might show someone has been poisoned or overdosed.
2. Developing: What number do you call if you think someone is poisoned or overdosed?
3. Application: If you see someone who is unconscious and vomiting, what should you do while waiting for help?
4. Analysis: Explain why it is important not to give food or drink to someone who might be poisoned or overdosed unless a professional tells you to.
5. Challenge: Describe how you would calmly and clearly explain a poisoning emergency to a 911 operator.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. Signs include vomiting and dizziness.
2. 2. Call 911 or the local emergency number.
3. 3. Call 911, turn the person on their side to prevent choking, and stay with them until help arrives.
4. 4. Giving food or drink might cause more harm or interfere with medical treatment, so it is safer to wait for professional advice.
5. 5. I would say where I am, what happened, the person’s symptoms, what substance they might have taken if known, and follow the operator’s instructions.

Guiding Questions

• What signs tell us someone might be poisoned or overdosing?
• Why is it important to get help quickly?
• Who do we call in an emergency?
• What should we do while waiting for help?
• How can we stay calm and help someone in trouble?

Common Misconceptions

• Poisoning only happens if someone eats something bad; it can also happen by inhaling or touching harmful substances.
• You should always try to make the person vomit if poisoned, but this can be dangerous and should only be done if instructed by a professional.
• Calling 911 is only for very serious injuries, but poisoning or overdose is always an emergency requiring immediate help.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Ask students to list signs of poisoning or overdose during class discussion.
• Observe students during role-play to assess communication skills.
• Use questioning to check understanding of emergency response steps.
• Name three signs of poisoning or overdose.
• What is the first thing you should do if you suspect poisoning?
• Who do you call for help in an emergency?
• Write a paragraph explaining how to respond to a poisoning emergency.
• Create a poster showing signs of overdose and what to do.
• Role-play a 911 call reporting a poisoning incident.

Answer Guide

• Name two signs of poisoning or overdose.
  Answer: Vomiting and dizziness.
• What number do you call in an emergency involving poisoning or overdose?
  Answer: 911 or the local emergency number.
• What should you do if someone is unconscious and vomiting?
  Answer: Call 911, turn the person on their side, and stay with them until help arrives.
• Why shouldn't you give food or drink to someone who might be poisoned?
  Answer: Because it could make things worse or interfere with treatment unless a professional says it is okay.
• How do you explain a poisoning emergency to 911?
  Answer: Say your location, describe what happened, the person's symptoms, and follow the operator's instructions.

Real-Life Application

Send a letter home encouraging families to discuss household safety, including keeping medicines and chemicals out of reach and knowing emergency numbers.

Homework or Home Connection

• Send a letter home encouraging families to discuss household safety, including keeping medicines and chemicals out of reach and knowing emergency numbers.

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 learned the importance of staying calm and providing clear information to get help quickly.

Teacher Notes

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

Related Lessons