First Aid: Poisoning
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Call 911
Call 911 if any of the following is true:
- You see a sick or unconscious victim (especially a child) with an open container of pills, chemicals, illicit drugs or paraphernalia, and plant-life and herbs.
- The room or the victim's breath smells of fumes.
- The victim has burns in or near the mouth.
- The victim has shallow puncture wounds, suggesting a venomous snakebite (usually on the lower arm or leg).
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Swallowed poisons
Step 1. Call poison control
- Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
- Local Poison Control 212-POISONS
- If there is no Poison Control Center in your area, call 911 or ask the operator to connect you to emergency services.
- Do not make the victim throw up (vomit) or give ipecac syrup.
Step 2. Follow instructions
- Care for the victim as instructed by Poison Control.
- Keep the victim as calm as possible.
- If the victim needs medical help, bring the container or the poison with the victim to the hospital.
Poisonous bites
Step 1. Reduce circulation
- Keep the victim still with the injury positioned below his or her heart level. This slows the spread of poison throughout the body.
- Do not use a tourniquet.
- Do not apply ice.
- Do not cut the bite.
- Do not try to suck venom out with your mouth.
Step 2. Call 911 or seek medical help
- Do rescue breathing or CPR, if needed.
- If you are traveling through an area where a poisonous snakebite is possible, wear protective boots and clothing. Extractor kits do not work and are not recommended.
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Details to know
For the best response when calling Poison Control, know as much of this information as possible:
- The label on the medication bottle or chemical container or the name or description of the plant
- The amount swallowed
- The length of time since the poisoning
- The victim's age, weight, and symptoms
- The travel time to the nearest emergency room
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© The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.