First Aid
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You may have heard advice on many types of first aid for poisonings. Not all steps can make the situation better. Call the Poison Center with your questions.
- Do NOT give an unconscious person anything by mouth.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless you are told to do so by the Poison Center or a doctor. A strong poison that burns on the way down the throat will also do damage on the way back up.
- Do NOT try to neutralize the poison with lemon juice or vinegar, or any other substance, unless you are told to do so by the Poison Center or a doctor.
- Do NOT use any "cure-all" type antidote.
- Do NOT wait for symptoms to develop if you suspect that someone has been poisoned.
Swallowed Poison or Medication
- Look for signs that the person was poisoned. Signs can include chemical-smelling breath, burns around the mouth, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. Identify the poison if possible.
- Look into the victim's mouth and remove all tablets, powder or any material that is present.
- Examine the mouth for cuts, burns, swelling, unusual coloring or odor.
- Do not force vomiting. Do not give any food or drink before calling the Poison Center. If the person vomits, clear the person's airway. Wrap a cloth around your fingers before cleaning out the mouth and throat.
Inhaled Poison
- Do not attempt to rescue a person without notifying emergency help first. If safe to do so, recuse the person from gas, fumes, or smoke. Open windows and doors to remove the fumes
- Take several deep breaths of fresh air, and then hold your breath as you go in. Hold a wet cloth over your nose and mouth.
- Do not start fires because some gases are combustible.
Poison on the Skin
- Brush off all dry poisons and flood involved parts with large amounts of plain water.
- Wash the skin with bar soap and water and rinse.
- Remove and discard all affected clothing.
Poison in the Eyes
- Hold eyelid open and drip room temperature water or normal saline over the bridge of the nose for a full 15 minutes.
- Wrap a small child in a towel like a papoose, (arms placed at sides under towel).
- Place on a flat surface or in a chair so the adult can control the child safely.
- Do not try to hold child under faucet or in shower or tub.
- Do not use water under pressure.
- Do not allow the victim to rub his eyes.
- Do not use medicated drops, such as Visine.
Bites and Stings
- Wash bite/sting area well with soap and water. Remove stinger when applicable.
- If patient develops breathing problems or rash, call 911
- Venomous snakebites: Remove any jewelry. Do not cut and try to extract the venom. Do not use ice or a tourniquet.
- Do not try to capture the snake.
- Apply a cool wet cloth to cover the bite then apply an ice pack or cold compress on the wound intermittently (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off).
- Never place ice directly on the skin
- Elevate and rest the wounded area to decrease swelling.
- Do not use heat.
- Watch for signs of allergic reactions.
WHEN YOU CALL THE POISON CENTER
- Identify yourself and give your relationship to the patient. Give your phone number in case your call is disconnected.
- Describe the patient by name, age, and weight.
- If possible, have the container or poison in your hand and identify the best you can:
- What was taken?
- When was it taken?
- How much was taken?
- How is the patient acting?
Be prepared to answer many questions. This information provides the specialist with pertinent facts needed to develop a specific treatment plan.