ACCIDENTAL POISONING

Choose how poisoning occurred --

• WAS SWALLOWED?
• GOT ON SKIN?
• GOT IN EYES?
• WAS INHALED?

IF POISONING WAS NOT ACCIDENTAL:

• If this was a suicide attempt, the patient should immediately be taken to the Emergency Room.
• If this was a homicide attempt, the police should be notified.

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If the poison was SWALLOWED:

Immediately notify your doctor of the name of the poison and amount swallowed.

If going to the Emergency Room, take the container with you and whatever contents remain.

Do NOT induce vomiting if any of these were swallowed:

• strong Acids (like sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric, carbolic), Ammonia, Benzene, Bleach, Car Polish, Caustic Lime, Drain Cleaners, Furniture Polish, Gasoline, Kerosene, Lye, Turpentine.

If vomiting occurs, save it, if possible, for examination by the doctor.

If the poison got on the SKIN:

Immediately flush the area affected with PLENTY of tap water.

Promptly remove any clothing contaminated with the chemical.

Immediately notify your doctor of the name of the poison and area affected.

If going to the Emergency Room, take the container with you, if possible, and whatever contents remain.

If the poison got into the EYE(S):

Immediately flush the eye(s) with PLENTY of tap water.

Immediately notify your doctor of the name of the poison and area affected.

If going to the Emergency Room, take the container with you, if possible, and whatever contents remain.

If the poison was INHALED:

Immediately move the patient from the exposure site to an area with plenty of fresh air.

Unless the exposure was very minor, the ambulance should be called to supply oxygen and transport to the Emergency Room.

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This page was last updated on 17 August 1999.