First Aid: Poisoning
Call 911 or seek immediate medical help if any of the following is true:
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You see an open container of pills or chemicals or a damaged plant.
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The room or the victim's breath smells of fumes.
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The victim has burns in or near the mouth.
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The victim has shallow puncture wounds that enter the body at an angle, suggesting a venomous snake bite (usually on the lower arm or leg).
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Swallowed Poisons
1
Call Poison Control
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If there is no Poison Control Center in your area, call 911 or ask the operator to connect you to emergency services.
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DON'T cause vomiting unless someone at Poison Control tells you to do so.
2
Follow Instructions
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Care for the victim as instructed by Poison Control.
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Keep the victim as calm as possible.
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Treat for shock and perform rescue breathing or CPR, if needed.
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Treat for seizure if uncontrollable muscle spasms (convulsions) begin.
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If the victim needs medical help, bring the container or the poison with the victim to the hospital.
For the best response when calling Poison Control, know as much of this information as possible:
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The label on the medication bottle or chemical container or the name or description of the plant
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The amount swallowed
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The length of time since the poisoning
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The victim's age, weight, and symptoms
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The travel time to the nearest emergency room
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1
Poisonous Bites
Reduce Circulation
2
Call 911 or Seek Medical Help.
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Treat for shock or perform rescue breathing or CPR, if needed.
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If you are traveling through an area where a poisonous snake bite is possible, carry and know how to use an extractor kit.
Publication Source:
Ferri FF, Practical Guide to the Care of the Medical Patient, 7th ed., Chapter 13 – Interdisciplinary Medicine, 2007, pp 863, 868
Online Medical Reviewer:
Keyes, Linda MD
Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2005
Date Last Modified:
6/1/2005