Poisoning First Aid - Kit, Home Care, What to Expect

By Max Team in Emergency & Trauma , Emergency Medicine

Feb 14 , 2022 | 1 min read

Poisoning occurs when you come into contact with a substance that is toxic. In some cases, the substances must be ingested to be poisonous, but in other cases, it is enough to inhale it or have it touch your skin.

What to Expect

Burns or redness around the mouth and lips from drinking certain poisons
Breath that smells like chemicals, such as kerosene or paint thinner
Burns, stains, and odours on the person, his/her clothing, on the furniture, floor, rugs, or other objects in the surrounding area
Empty medication bottles or scattered pills
Vomiting, difficulty in breathing, sleepiness, confusion, or other unexpected signs

When to Rush to the Doctor

Call for emergency medical assistance if the person is:
Drowsy or unconscious
Having difficulty in breathing or has stopped breathing
Uncontrollably restless or agitated

Having seizures/fits

If the person seems stable and has no symptoms, but you suspect poisoning, seek medical attention

Home Care

Take the person into the fresh air in case of poisonous inhalation
Remove anything remaining in the mouth in case of oral poisoning
On ingesting a household cleaner, follow instructions on the label for accidental poisoning
Remove clothes if the poison has spilled on the person's clothing
Flush skin or eyes with cool or lukewarm water, if in contact with poison
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

A First-Aid Kit for Poisoning Should Include