When to suspect poisoning
Poisoning symptoms may resemble symptoms of seizures, alcohol intoxication, stroke, and insulin reaction. Poisoning symptoms include
- burning or redness around the mouth and lips
- breath smelling like gasoline or chemicals like paint thinner
- vomit
- shortness of breath
- confused mental state
If you suspect poisoning, look for clues such as empty vials or packets of pills lying around, scattered pills, and burn marks and odors on objects around the victim. In case of children, it may happen like applying medicine patch, eating medicine or swallowing a battery.
When to call for help
If the victim shows these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
- fainting or drowsiness
- is having difficulty breathing or has stopped breathing
- feeling uncontrollably restless or excited
- have seizures
- Known to have taken an overdose of drugs or any other substance, intentionally or accidentally. Pousing is more in these situations.
Take these actions until help arrives
on being poisoned
Remove any remaining poison in the victim’s mouth. If the suspected poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the container’s label and follow directions for accidental poisoning.
poison on the skin
Remove the clothes affected by the poison using gloves. Wash the skin in the shower or with a pipe for 15 to 20 minutes.
poison in the eye
Wash eyes gently with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes or until relief is felt.
If the victim vomits, turn the head to the side to prevent suffocation
If the victim shows no signs of life like movement, breathing or coughing, start CPR.
