First Aid for Poisoning:Emergency Conditions

Poisons are harmful substances that are swallowed, inhaled, or that come in contact with the skin. Each year about 10 million poisonings occur; 80% of them are in children under five years old.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on the substance. They include a skin rash, upset stomach, and more severe problems. Some poisons can cause death.

Causes

Things Not Meant to Be Swallowed or Inhaled

• Household cleaners, such as bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia, and lye.
• Rat poison.
• Antifreeze. Oil. Lighter fluid. Paint thinner.
• Airplane glue. Formaldehyde.
• Rubbing alcohol. Iodine. Hair dye. Mouthwash. Mothballs.
• Some indoor and outdoor plants.
• Carbon monoxide. This has no color, odor, or taste.

Things That Are Poisonous in Harmful Amounts

• Drugs. Over-the-counter and prescribed medicines.
• Medicinal herbs.
• Vitamins and minerals. Iron in these can be deadly to a small child.

See also Food Poisoning and Bites & Stings.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the poison and its effects. Information to give the Poison Control Center, emergency department, etc.:

• The name of the substance taken.
• The amount and when it was taken.
• A list of ingredients on the label.
• Age, gender, and weight of the person who took the poison. How the person is feeling and reacting. Any medical problems the person has.

Self-Care / First Aid

For Swallowed Poisons

• If the person is unconscious, shout for help. Call 9-1-1!
• For a conscious person, call the Poison Control Center (800.222.1222). Follow instructions. Do not give Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting unless the Poison Control Center tells you to. {Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents don’t give Syrup of Ipecac to children.}
• Lay the person on his or her left side to keep the windpipe clear, especially if the person vomited. Keep a sample of the vomit and the poison container.

For Inhaled Poisons

• Protect yourself. Move the person to fresh air (outdoors if you can). Try not to breathe the fumes yourself.
• Follow steps 1 and 2 above for Swallowed Poisons. Get medical care.

For Chemical Poisons on Skin

• Protect yourself. Flood the skin with water for 5 or more minutes. Remove clothing that was in contact with the person.
• Gently wash the skin with soap and water. Rinse well. Get medical care.

 Prevention

• Buy household products, vitamins, and medicines in child-resistant packaging. Keep these and all poisons out of children’s reach.
• Put child-resistant latches on cabinet doors. Follow instructions for use and storage of pesticides, household cleaners, and other poisons.
• Keep products in original containers. Don’t transfer them to soft drink bottles, plastic jugs, etc.
• Teach children not to take medicine and vitamins unless an adult gives it to them. Don’t call these “candy” in front of a child.
• Wear protective clothing, masks, etc. when using chemicals that could cause harm if inhaled or absorbed by the skin.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and garage.