First Aid for Poisonings: Act Fast

There are several first aid measures for poisonings that make a difference if accomplished within seconds to minutes of a poison exposure. Familiarize yourself with the steps below for swallowed poisons, poisons in the eye, on the skin, or inhaled. Call 911 right away if the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened.

There are 2 ways to get help from Poison Control experts. Both options are free and confidential:

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

Swallowed Poisons

If the product swallowed is burning, irritating, or caustic and the person is conscious, not having convulsions, and able to swallow, drink a small amount of water or milk immediately. Then, get help from Poison Control. Use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool to get specific recommendations for your case online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.

Poison in the Eye

Rinse (irrigate) the eye immediately. Every second counts 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 easiest to rinse in the shower. Wrap young children in a towel and let water from the faucet in the kitchen sink run over the eye. Alternatively, slowly pour water from a pitcher. Do not pour water directly into the eye; rather, let the water hit the bridge of the nose and gently run into the eyes. Encourage blinking.

After the 15 to 20 minute irrigation, let the eye rest while you contact Poison Control for additional help. Use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help. If irritation, pain, visual problems, redness, swelling, or tearing persist an hour after irrigation is started, you'll need an urgent ophthalmic exam. Go to the 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.

Poison on the Skin

Rinse the exposed skin immediately. Remove contaminated clothing first; every second matters. 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 rinse in the shower. Mild soap can be used to remove material that sticks to the skin.

If blistering, burns, pain, redness, or swelling worsens or persists, see a doctor right away. To know whether a trip to the emergency room is necessary, use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If the symptoms are severe, go straight to an emergency room after rinsing. Don't wait.

Inhaled Poison

Move to fresh air immediately. Stay away from 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.