First Aid for Poisoning What You Need to Know in a Crisis

In just one simple moment the unexpected can suddenly happen. Poisoning by exposure or consumption of dangerous substances rarely comes with warning. Each day according to Poison Control statistics, "one poison exposure is reported to U.S. poison control centers every 15 seconds". Prevention is the first step to responding to potential poisonous substances within our environment, however, taking appropriate actions may be the difference between life and death. When faced with a medical emergency due to poisoning, many of us are drastically unprepared to most effectively manage a crisis situation. Here's an important update you need to know and share with everyone you know, when my children were born, we were advised to keep a bottle of ipecac syrup in our first aid kit at home. Medical professionals suggested the use of ipecac syrup to cause vomiting after swallowing certain poisonous substances. Currently, Poison Control does not advise the use of ipecac syrup. Keep these basic tips posted to have first aid steps for poisoning, take note of what you need to know in a crisis situation.

First Aid for Poisoning What You Need to Know in a Crisis

NOTE - If an individual in unconscious, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call 911. When possible, bring the (safely contained) poison to the emergency medical professionals or hospital.

Prepare to provide the following information, if requested-

- Your Name, Phone Number, and Location

- Poisoned Individual's Name, Age, Physical Condition, Poisonous Substance and Estimated Time of Incident, Medical Conditions and/or Medications

Two important ways to use to get help from Poison Control-

Each of these options are both free and confidential resources for professional assistance for poisonous substances.

- Visit webPOISONCONTROL for specific recommendations based on age, substance, and amount.

- Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance.

As you prepare to reach out for help from Poison Control, by phone or online, promptly activating using these basic first aid actions are essential to know and share to help save lives.

Swallowed Poison 

If the product swallowed is burning, irritating, or caustic AND the person is conscious, not having convulsions, and able to swallow, drink a small amount of water or milk immediately. 

Then get help from Poison Control- use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations for your case online or call 1-800-222-1222.

Poison in the Eye

Rinse (irrigate) the eye immediately. Every second matters. A delay could result in loss of sight. Remove contact lenses. Use lots of room temperature water and irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Adults and older children may find it easiest to hop in the shower. Wrap young children in a towel and let water from the faucet in the kitchen sink run over the eye – or slowly pour water from a pitcher. Let the water hit the bridge of the nose and gently run into the eyes rather than pouring the water directly into the eye. 

Important - Irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Encourage blinking.

Use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.

Poison on the Skin 

Rinse the skin immediately. Remove contaminated clothing first (that's clothing with a spill). Don't delay. Every second matters. Use lots of room temperature running water. For large spills, adults and older children may find it easiest to hop in the shower. Use mild soap to remove material that sticks to the skin. 

Important - Rinse for at least 15 minutes. 

Use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.

Inhaled Poison

Move to fresh air immediately. Stay away from toxic fumes and gases. 

Use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.

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