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Accidental Poisoning: What to Do Before Help Arrives

Call 911 for collapse, seizure, breathing trouble or inability to wake; otherwise contact Poison Control immediately, start exposure-specific rinsing or fresh air when safe, and never induce vomiting unless an expert directs it.

Timeline

  1. Immediately: Protect yourself from the source and call 911 for collapse, seizure, breathing difficulty or inability to wake.
  2. Within minutes: Begin safe fresh-air or water rinsing steps for inhaled, eye or skin exposure and contact Poison Control.
  3. While help is arranged: Keep the product container and report the substance, amount, time, symptoms, age, weight and health history.

If a person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or cannot be awakened after a possible poisoning, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for Poison Control or for more symptoms. Move away from fumes or another active hazard only when you can do so without exposing yourself. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions, and begin CPR or use an AED if directed and able. [1][2]

For a person who is awake and breathing, contact Poison Control right away because serious poisonings do not always cause early signs. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222 or use the official online tool when it is appropriate for the situation. The service is free and confidential. Outside the United States, use the local poison center or emergency number rather than assuming the U.S. line applies. [1][2][3]

Do not make the person vomit and do not use syrup of ipecac. Vomiting can cause a corrosive product to burn the throat again or allow material to enter the lungs. Avoid improvised antidotes, activated charcoal, food or drink unless the product label, Poison Control or a medical professional specifically directs it for that substance and person. Gently remove remaining material from the mouth without exposing yourself. [1][2]

For poison in the eyes, remove contact lenses if possible and rinse with plenty of lukewarm running water, encouraging blinking. Poison Control recommends immediate irrigation for at least 15 to 20 minutes before further assessment. For poison on the skin, remove contaminated clothing and rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes. Protect yourself with suitable gloves if helping another person. [1][2]

For inhaled poison, move to fresh air immediately only if the route is safe; do not enter a contaminated space or create another victim. Ventilate only when it can be done without exposure or ignition risk. Then call Poison Control for product-specific advice. Chemical gases, carbon monoxide, smoke and workplace releases can require 911, the fire department or hazardous-material responders even when symptoms initially seem mild. [1][2]

Bring or photograph the product container and label if that can be done safely. Be ready to report the exact product name, ingredients or strength, estimated amount, route and time of exposure, current symptoms, age, weight, health conditions and medicines. Do not guess when information is unknown; say so. Keep pills, plants or chemical samples secured away from other people rather than handling or transporting them unnecessarily. [2][3]

Stay with the person, monitor breathing and responsiveness, and follow the poison specialist or emergency team step by step. Do not wait for symptoms before calling, and do not rely on an internet article for a specific exposure. Different substances require different actions, and even two products with similar names may have different concentrations. Save the Poison Help number now and keep medicines and chemicals in original, locked containers. [1][2][3]

Sources

  1. America's Poison Centers — Poison First Aid
  2. National Capital Poison Center — First Aid Guidelines
  3. National Capital Poison Center — How to Get Help from Poison Control

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