If You Suspect A Poisoning... Act Fast!
Two ways to get help from Poison Control:
Both options are free and confidential. Both options give you expert answers.
| 1. | Use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get specific recommendations based on age, substance, and amount, OR |
| 2. | Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance. |
First aid for Poisonings
If the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, call 911.
Before you seek help from Poison Control, whether by phone or online, there are some quick first aid measures that make a difference if accomplished within seconds to minutes of the poison exposure:
| Swallowed poisons: If the product swallowed is burning, irritating, or caustic AND the person is conscious, not having convulsions, and able to swallow, drink a small amount of water or milk immediately. Then get help from Poison Control: use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations for your case online or call 1-800-222-1222. |
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| Poison in the eye: Rinse (irrigate) the eye immediately. Every second matters. A delay could result in loss of sight. Remove contact lenses. Use lots of room temperature water and irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Adults and older children may find it easiest to hop in the shower. Wrap young children in a towel and let water from the faucet in the kitchen sink run over the eye – or slowly pour water from a pitcher. Let the water hit the bridge of the nose and gently run into the eyes rather than pouring the water directly into the eye. Important: Irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Encourage blinking. Use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help. |
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| Poison on the skin: Rinse the skin immediately. Remove contaminated clothing first (that's clothing with a spill). Don't delay. Every second matters. Use lots of room temperature running water. For large spills, adults and older children may find it easiest to hop in the shower. Use mild soap to remove material that sticks to the skin. Important: Rinse for at least 15 minutes. Use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help. |
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| Inhaled poison: Move to fresh air immediately. Stay away from toxic fumes and gases. Use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help. |
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Poisoned? Get Expert Help.
Don't guess what you should do. Get accurate Poison Control answers online or by phone. Both are free and confidential.
or CALL 1-800-222-1222
Add Poison Control to your phone’s contacts
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Don't Use Ipecac!
Ipecac syrup is no longer recommended for poisonings. Find out why.