Poisoning Instruction Sheet:Poisoning first aid

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Remove anything remaining in the mouth. Unless victim is unconscious, having a seizure, or cannot swallow, give about 2 ounces of water to drink. Call the poison center.Poison in the Eye Remove all foreign materials from the eyes including contact lenses if worn. Gently flush eye for 10 minutes, timed by the clock, using slightly warm water. Pour a stream of water from a clean glass held about 3 inches above the eye. Do not use any eye drops until advised to do so by the poison center. Call the poison center.
Poison on the Skin Remove any contaminated clothing. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with large amounts of water. Wash the same area gently with hand soap and warm water to remove all remaining chemicals on the skin. If exposed, remember to wash hair and under fingernails. Call the poison center.
Inhaled Poison Get to fresh air as soon as possible. Avoid breathing fumes. Ventilate that area as soon as possible by opening windows or directing fans toward the door, while protecting yourself from injury. Call the poison center. If the person is unconscious, having difficulty breathing or not breathing, call 911. If you have a poisoning situation, do not panic. Panic is a very contagious emotion. If parents are upset, crying and screaming, a child can pick up on that very easily and will also start crying and become upset. When the entire family is upset, it becomes much harder to assess the situation and provide good care.
Signs and symptoms of poisoning:
Burns or redness around the mouth and lips, from drinking certain poisons Breath that smells like chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner Burns, stains and odors on the person, on his or her clothing, or on the furniture, floor, rugs or other objects in the surrounding area Empty medication bottles or scattered pills Vomiting, difficulty breathing, sleepiness, confusion or other unexpected signs
When to call for help:
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if the person is:
Drowsy or unconscious Having difficulty breathing or has stopped breathing Uncontrollably restless or agitated Having seizures
If the person seems stable and has no symptoms, but you suspect poisoning, call your regional poison control center or, in the United States, the National Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. Provide information about the person's symptoms, the person's age and weight, and any information you have about the poison, such as amount and how long since the person was exposed to it. It helps to have the pill bottle or poison container on hand when you call.
What to do while waiting for help:
If the person has been exposed to poisonous fumes, such as carbon monoxide, get him or her into fresh air immediately. If the person swallowed the poison, remove anything remaining in the mouth. If the suspected poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the label and follow instructions for accidental poisoning. If the product is toxic, the label will likely advise you to call the poison control center at 800-222-1222. Also call this 800 number if you can't identify the poison, if it's medication or if there are no instructions. Follow treatment directions that are given by the poison control center. If the poison spilled on the person's clothing, skin or eyes, remove the clothing. Flush the skin or eyes with cool or lukewarm water, such as by using a shower for 20 minutes or until help arrives. Make sure the person is breathing. If not, start rescue breathing and CPR. Take the poison container (or any pill bottles) with you to the hospital.
What NOT to do
Don't give ipecac syrup or do anything to induce vomiting. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises discarding ipecac in the home, saying there's no good evidence of effectiveness and that it can do more harm than good.

Then...call the Poison Center immediately 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If the person is unconscious or in immediate distress call 911

Do not try to neutralize a poison by giving raw eggs, salt water, mustard, vinegar or citrus fruit juices as an antidote or to cause vomiting. Never attempt to induce vomiting by sticking your fingers anywhere in the patient's mouth; this procedure can be very dangerous.
Syrup of Ipecac Syrup of Ipecac is NOT a routine treatment for poisoning. Please contact your Poison Center before using.
Activated CharcoalActivated charcoal is not recommended for home use. It is used to bind drugs and chemicals before they are absorbed into a person, but activated charcoal does not bind all drugs or chemicals and has some risk when given. Important: Only use it when told to do so by the Poison Center.
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