How to Seek Help for Poisonings
Two ways to get help for a poisoning: |
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| 1. | Use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get specific recommendations based on age, substance, and amount, OR |
| 2. | Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance. |
| Both options are free and confidential. Both options give you expert answers. If the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened: Call 911 IMMEDIATELY. |
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When can I use the webPOISONCONTROL® tool?
If you took too much of a medicine, swallowed something that might be poisonous, splashed a product on your eye or skin, webPOISONCONTROL® can help you decide if it's safe to stay home, or if a call to Poison Control or visit to an emergency room are required. Use the webPOISONCONTROL® tool if the exposed person meets all these criteria:
- No serious symptoms. If the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or can’t be awakened, call 911 right away.
- Most substances. webPOISONCONTROL can help whether it's a drug or medicine, household product, flower, leaf, berry, seed, bite or sting, or an inhaled gas.
- Single substances (only one product) involved. The drug or product can have multiple ingredients, but webPOISONCONTROL® can't handle multiple drugs until we develop the logic for interactions and additive effects.
- Unintentional. No self-harm or suicide attempts. When self-harm is involved, immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider, usually in an ER, is always advised.
- Age 6 months to 79 years. Special issues arise in the very young or in older adults.
- Not pregnant! We haven't addressed risks to the fetus or the pregnant mom.
- Otherwise healthy. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition, don't use this tool. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 instead to make sure there are no special considerations for your disease.
- Human. Don't use this tool for your pets! Toxicity differs between species.
In August 2016, The American Journal of Emergency Medicine published an article titled "webPOISONCONTROL: can poison control be automated?" The article analyzed the first 9,256 webPOISONCONTROL cases. The study found the app is safe, quick and easy to use.
When can't I use the webPOISONCONTROL® tool?
Don't use this tool if you (or the exposed person) are:
- Younger than 6 months or older than 79 years
- Pregnant
- Suicidal or intending self-harm
- A pet
- More than one product is involved.
When should I call Poison Control instead of using the webPOISONCONTROL® tool?
Poison experts answer 24/7. Your call is free and confidential. There are 55 poison control centers in the U.S. Your call to 1-800-222-1222 will be routed to the correct poison control center based on your area code and exchange. Don't guess what you should do. Call!
Warning!
If the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened: Call 911 IMMEDIATELY.
Not in the US? Use local procedures to call Poison Control or summon an ambulance.
But 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 these steps.
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.
| 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 guidance. 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 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. |
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 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. |
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 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. |
Poisoned? Get Expert Help.
Don't guess what you should do. Get accurate Poison Control answers online or by phone. Both are free and confidential.
or CALL 1-800-222-1222
Text POISON
to 202-677-7600
Save the poison control number and the link to online help NOW! Text-to-save or download directly to save our vcard to your computer and smartphone contacts.
Get the App!
Download the freewebPOISONCONTROL® app.
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Don't use ipecac!
Ipecac syrup is no longer recommended for poisonings. Find out why.
What happens when I call Poison Control?
Poison Control is available 24 hours a day to provide free, expert and confidential guidance in a poison emergency. When you call, a poison specialist will ask you questions to determine the severity of your case, then provide recommendations.
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