First aid guidelines

Drink a small amount of water or milk immediately if:

• The product swallowed is burning, irritating or caustic, AND

• The person is conscious, not having convulsions, and able to swallow. 

Do not induce vomiting. Ipecac syrup is no longer recommended.

Then, get help from poison experts. There are 2 ways to get help:

1. Use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool to get specific recommendations based on age, substance, amount and symptoms, OR

2. Call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance.

It's important to 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 use the webPOISONCONTROL tool or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222 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.

It's important to 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, use the webPOISONCONTROL tool or call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 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 a poison center 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.

It's important to move to fresh air immediately.

• Stay away from all toxic fumes and gases.

• Thoroughly ventilate the involved area.

After moving to fresh air, use the webPOISONCONTROL tool or call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for additional help.