Call: 1-800-282-3171 Emergency First Aid for PoisoningsTopics on this page include:Swallowed PoisonsPoisons on the SkinPoisons in the EyeInhaled PoisonsIn the United States, nearly two million poisonings are reported to poison control centers each year. Although survival rates for some types of poisoning have improved, many people still die. Knowing what to do in the first moments after a poisoning occurs can prevent these tragedies.
Swallowed poisonsCall the Poison Center or your physician, even if you don't think the ingestion is serious. CAUTION: Some out-of-date product antidote labels or health information charts may carry incorrect treatment information. DO NOT give raw eggs, salt, vinegar or citrus fruit juices to induce vomiting or to neutralize the poison. DO NOT induce vomiting by sticking fingers or any other instrument down the victim's throat. These procedures are not only ineffective but potentially dangerous!
Poisons on the skinRemove any contaminated clothing. Flood affected parts with lukewarm water, wash with soap and water, and rinse thoroughly. Then call the Poison Center or your physician.
Poisons in the eyeTo remove all foreign materials from the eyes, the eyes must be irrigated for a full 15 minutes timed by the clock. Remove contact lenses if worn. For adults, getting in the shower works best. Aim a gentle stream of lukewarm water on the forehead above the affected eye. If both eyes are affected, aim the stream at the bridge of the nose. Eyes do not have to be held open. Opening and closing the eyes repeatedly during the irrigation will help carry the water to all the surfaces of the eye. For young children, use the sprayer hose at the kitchen sink or use a pitcher. Aim a gentle stream of water at the bridge of the nose or on the forehead above the affected eye. Do not pour water directly onto the surface of the eyeball. Eyes do not need to be held open unless the child refuses to open them at all. Always irrigate all eye exposures for 15 full minutes. Do not apply any eye drops unless instructed by a health care professional. Call the Poison Center or your physician to see if more treatment is required after the eye irrigation. Inhaled poisonsImmediately carry or drag the affected person to fresh air. If necessary, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the victim is not breathing easily, call 9-1-1. Evacuate the area. Remember to take along family pets, but do not delay your own escape from the area. Open doors and windows to improve ventilation. Then call the Poison Center or your physician.
Call: 1-800-282-3171
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