1. Determine the Levels of Arsenic in the Victim's Body
Treatment for arsenic poisoning often depends on how much arsenic is in the victim's body, which you can determine in part by checking the symptoms. If the victim has been exposed to moderate amounts of arsenic over time, he may exhibit a metallic taste in the mouth, a feeling of pins and needles in his hands and feet, strange rashes, diarrhea and white lines called Mees lines on the fingernails. Victims with more acute exposure may complain of stomach pains, they may be disoriented, they may vomit a great deal, there may be blood in their diarrhea and they may suffer from dehydration. If you suspect that arsenic may be the cause of these symptoms, get the victim to an emergency room immediately.
2. Get the Victim Away From the Environment Containing Arsenic
Arsenic is an element, which means it cannot be broken down into non-poisonous compounds the way some other poisons can. It can be inhaled as arsine gas and can also become stuck to clothes and tools. If you suspect that the immediate environment caused the arsenic poisoning, remove the victim from the area immediately to somewhere safe and ventilated. Remove all clothes and accessories like watches and jewelry. Wash the exposed skin and hair with mild soap and water, then rinse the victim thoroughly.
3. Get Fluids Into the Victim and Begin a Blood Transfusion
The cause of death in arsenic poison is often hypovolemic shock, which occurs when the heart can't get enough blood to the body. Dehydration is also a concern because of the fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. A blood transfusion and intravenous fluid replacement should begin as soon as possible, and you should monitor the victim's vital signs at all times. Steady urination is a good sign. The more the victim pees, the more the arsenic is being expelled from the body.
4. Perform Gastric Lavage
This procedure should only be undertaken by professionals. A tube is inserted through the victim's nose and into his stomach, which is then flushed out with water and saline solution. It keeps any more of the arsenic from being absorbed into the victim's system and it usually works best within one hour or so of being exposed to the arsenic. It should only be administered in a hospital or formal medical clinic.
5. Begin Chelation Treatment
Chelation therapy is used to remove heavy elements such as arsenic and mercury from the body. It began in World War I, as a treatment for poison gas attacks (poison gas contained arsenic). Chelating drugs work by forming chemical bonds with the arsenic, reducing its poisonous properties and allowing it to pass out of the body more painlessly. Chelation treatment should only be undertaken by a trained physician.
