First Aid Instructions for Poisonings

The Bottom Line

Poison Control is here to help if you swallow or come in contact with something that might be poisonous. Don't wait for symptoms to develop. Contact Poison Control immediately! Before you contact us, there are first aid measures that make a difference if accomplished within seconds to minutes of the poison exposure. Be familiar with these steps.

Need help? Get Help Onlineor

Call 1-800-222-1222

The Full Story

Two ways to get help from Poison Control:

Both options are free and confidential. Both options give expert answers.

1.	Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance, OR
2.	Use the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool to get specific recommendations for your case based on age, substance, and amount taken.

First aid for poisoning

If the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened: Call 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Before you contact Poison Control, whether by phone or online, there are some quick first aid measures that make a difference if accomplished within seconds to minutes of the poison exposure. Be familiar with the first aid steps for swallowed poisons and poisons in the eye, on the skin, or inhaled (breathed in).

SWALLOWED Poisons

Drink a small amount of water or milk immediately, before getting Poison Control assistance, if:

The product swallowed is burning, irritating or caustic, AND
The person is conscious, not having convulsions, and able to swallow.

Then use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call 1-800-222-1222 to reach Poison Control by phone.

Poisons in the EYE, on the SKIN, or INHALED:

in the EYE	on the SKIN	INHALED
It's important that you irrigate (rinse the exposed eyes) immediately. Every second matters and a delay could result in loss of sight. Remove contact lenses. Use lots of room temperature water and irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Adults and older children may find it easier to hop in the shower. Wrap young children in a towel and let water from the faucet in the kitchen sink run over the eye - or slowly pour water from a pitcher. Let the water hit the bridge of the nose and gently run into the eyes rather than pouring the water directly into the eye. Important: Irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Encourage blinking. After the 15 to 20 minute irrigation, let the eye rest while you call Poison Control for additional help. If irritation, pain, visual problems, redness, swelling, or tearing persist an hour after irrigation is started, you'll need an urgent ophthalmic exam. That means a trip to an urgicenter or emergency room right away, unless an eye doctor can see you immediately. If the symptoms are severe, don't wait an hour - go straight to an emergency room after irrigating. After irrigating, use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.	It's important that you rinse the exposed skin immediately. Remove contaminated clothing first (that's clothing with a spill). Every second matters. Don't delay. Use lots of room temperature running water and rinse for at least 15 minutes. For large spills, adults and older children may find it easiest to hop in the shower. Mild hand soap can be used to remove material that sticks to the skin. Important: Rinse for at least 15 minutes. After the 15 minute rinse, call Poison Control for additional guidance. If blistering, large or deep burns, pain, redness, or swelling worsen or persist, you will need to see a doctor right away. But first call the poison specialists at Poison Control to see whether a trip to an urgicenter or emergency room is urgent or necessary. If the symptoms are severe, go straight to an emergency room after rinsing. Don't wait. After irrigating, use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.	It's important that you move to fresh air immediately. Stay away from all toxic fumes and gases. Thoroughly ventilate the involved area. After moving to fresh air, use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.