Poison First Aid
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What should you do if a poisoning occurs?

Take the following emergency action:

If the victim is breathing and conscious call the Poison Centre

1-800-332-1414

(Or call directly: 403-944-1414)

Dial 911 if the person is:

  • Unconscious
  • Not Breathing
  • Convulsive

Click on the diagram that shows how the victim was poisoned for first aid information:

Swallowed Spill on skin Breathing in Splash in
the eyes





FOR POISONS THAT ARE SWALLOWED

Chemicals or household products
  • Give a glass of water or milk unless the person cannot swallow.
  • Have the container or label of the poison with you
  • Call the Poison Centre at 1-800-332-1414
  • DO NOT follow the treatment instructions on the container until you have checked with the Poison Centre.
  • DO NOT give salt water or mustard.
  • DO NOT put your finger down the throat of a poisoned person, or make them vomit.

Medications

  • DO NOT give anything by mouth
  • Have the container or label of the medication with you
  • Call the Poison Centre at 1-800-332-1414
Plants that are swallowed

Choking is the immediate concern when a child places a plant part in his/her mouth.

  • If the child is gagging or choking, finger-sweep his/her mouth and remove any remaining parts of the plant.
  • If the child continues to choke, call 9-1-1.
  • Gently wipe mouth and surrounding area with a wet cloth.
  • Check for irritation, swelling, discoloration, or difficulty in swallowing.
  • If the child has no difficulty swallowing, give half a glass of water or milk.
  • Call the Poison Centre at 1-800-332-1414
  • DO NOT make the child vomit.
  • DO NOT wait for symptoms to appear. Symptoms can be delayed.

FOR POISONS THAT ARE SPILLED ON THE SKIN

  • Remove all soiled clothing.
  • Avoid getting poison on yourself.
  • Rinse the skin under running water for 15 minutes, then wash gently with soap and water and rinse again.
  • Call the Poison Centre at 1-800-332-1414

FOR POISONS THAT ARE BREATHED IN

  • Remember to consider the possibility of a poison gas if a person has collapsed in an enclosed space.
  • Move the victim into fresh air if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
  • Open all doors and windows.
  • DO NOT breathe the fumes.
  • Call the Poison Centre at 1-800-332-1414
  • If the person is not breathing, start artificial respiration and call 9-1-1.

FOR POISONS THAT ARE SPLASHED IN THE EYE

  • Rinse the eye with lukewarm water for 15 minutes, by pouring lukewarm water from a large glass 2 to 3 inches above the eye, or by standing in the shower.
  • Have the person blink as often as possible while rinsing the eyes.
  • Call the Poison Centre at 1-800-332-1414
  • DO NOT force the eyelids open.

DO NOT TRY ANY OTHER FIRST AID.

 CALL THE POISON CENTRE AT

1-800-332-1414.