Initial treatment for poisoning
Dial 911 IMMEDIATELY if the person passes out, experiences a seizure, has difficulty breathing, or is incapable of being woken.
There are several rapid first aid steps that are beneficial to take within a few minutes or seconds of the poison exposure before you call or visit Poison Control online. Know the first aid procedures for toxins that are swallowed, in the skin, in the eyes, or inhaled (breathed in).
SWALLOWED Toxins
Before contacting Poison Control for assistance, immediately consume a little amount of milk or water if:
a. The substance that was swallowed burns, irritates, or is caustic.
b. The patient is able to swallow, is aware, and is not experiencing convulsions. Then, to contact Poison Control by phone, dial 1-800-222-1222.
Poisons in the EYE
It’s critical that you rinse the exposed eyes right away, or irrigate them. Every second counts, and waiting around could cause blindness. Take out your contact lenses. Irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes using a large volume of water that is at room temperature.
It might be simpler for adults and older kids to get in the shower. Young children should be covered with a cloth as water is slowly poured from a pitcher or run over their eyes from the kitchen sink tap. Rather than putting water straight into the eye, let it hit the bridge of the nose and trickle gently into the eyes. Important: Give it a good 15 to 20 minutes of irrigation. Promote blinking.
Let the eye rest for 15 to 20 minutes after the irrigation, and then contact Poison Control if you need more assistance. You will require an urgent ocular checkup if irritation, pain, vision issues, redness, swelling, or tearing still occur an hour after irrigation is started. Unless an eye doctor can see you straight soon, that entails a trip to the urgicenter or emergency room. If the symptoms are severe, irrigate and then head straight to the emergency department rather than waiting an hour.
Use webPOISONCONTROL to obtain detailed advice after irrigating, or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance.
Poisons on the SKIN
Rinse the affected skin as soon as possible; this is crucial. Sort out any clothing that has been polluted (i.e., those that have spills). Every moment counts. Don’t wait around. Run a lot of water at room temperature and rinse for at least fifteen minutes. Adults and older kids might find that getting in the shower is the quickest way to clean up major spills. Material that adheres to the skin can be removed with mild hand washing. Vital: Rinse for fifteen minutes or longer.
For further advice, contact Poison Control after the 15-minute rinse. You must consult a doctor at away if blistering, deep or large burns, discomfort, redness, or swelling intensify or continue. But before you do, give Poison Control a call to speak with poison specialists about whether you really need to see an ER or urgicenter or not. After washing, proceed immediately to an emergency room if the symptoms are severe. Take action now.
Use webPOISONCONTROL to obtain detailed advice after irrigating, or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance.
INHALED Poison
It’s critical that you get outside as soon as possible. Avoid all harmful gases and vapours. Ventilate the affected region thoroughly.
Once outside, use webPOISONCONTROL for online guidance after venturing outside, or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance.