First aid - Poisoning

Many conditions mimic the signs and symptoms of poisoning, including seizures, alcohol intoxication, stroke and insulin reaction. So look for the signs and symptoms listed below if you suspect poisoning, but check with the local emergency before giving anything to the affected person.

Signs and symptoms of poisoning:

• Burns or redness around the mouth and lips, which can result 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 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 the local emergency. Provide information about the person's symptoms and, if possible, information about what he or she ingested, how much and when.

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 local emergency. Also call 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.
• Take the poison container (or any pill bottles) with you to the hospital.

What NOT to do

Don't administer ipecac syrup or do anything to induce vomiting. In 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised discarding ipecac in the home, saying there's no good evidence of effectiveness and that it can do more harm than good.