All poisonings are serious. Some poisonings require immediate attention before calling the Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 for help. Below are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Poisons in the eye

Eye membranes absorb chemicals quickly. This can lead to eye damage within minutes. Flood the eye with lukewarm (never hot) water poured from a large glass two or three inches from the eye. Continue for 15 minutes. Have the person blink the eye as much as possible during the flooding. Do not force the eyelid open and do not allow the eye to be rubbed.

If lukewarm water is not available, rinse the eye quickly using a gentle stream from a hose for at least 15 minutes. While this is being done, have someone else call the Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisons on the skin

If poisons come in contact with the skin, they must be removed as quickly as possible. Remove contaminated clothing and flood the affected skin area with water for 10 minutes. Then gently wash the affected skin area with soap and water and rinse. Later, destroy contaminated clothing.

For a chemical skin burn, rinse the area with lots of water, remove the clothes covering the affected area, and cover with a soft, clean cloth. Do not apply grease or ointments. Seek emergency care as soon as possible after clothing is removed and skin is rinsed.

Inhaled poisons

Inhaled poisons are very serious because of the damage they can do to the lungs and other tissues of the body. Minimize your risk of exposure, and immediately get the victim to fresh air. Loosen the person’s clothing. Call for paramedics immediately. If the person is not breathing, start artificial respiration and continue it until the he or she is breathing or help arrives. Open the doors and windows so no one else will be poisoned by the fumes.

If you have spoken to a medical professional at the Poison Control Centers and that person has suggested that you use Ipecac syrup to induce vomiting, here’s how you do it:

Give one teaspoon (15cc) to children 1 to 6 years of age and two teaspoons (30cc) to older children and adults. Follow the Ipecac syrup with one cup of a noncarbonated beverage like water or juice. Encourage the person to drink more fluids, if necessary. Do not allow the person to lie down. Keep him or her active. Motion may cause vomiting, which will usually occur in less than 15 minutes. If the person has not vomited within 15 to 20 minutes, give a second dose of Ipecac syrup and more liquid. Before inducing vomiting, have a plastic bag handy. Bring the poison and its container to the hospital. Also, bring any stomach contents you collected in the plastic bag.

Ipecac is a plant extract that induces vomiting when swallowed. Vomiting is one way to remove poison from the stomach, but your physician or the Poison Control Centers may not always recommend using Ipecac syrup.

Do not use Ipecac without the advice of a physician or the Poison Control Centers, even if the product label says to do so.

This is especially important if the person has swallowed petroleum products such as gasoline, cleaning fluids, or lighter fluids. Never induce vomiting if the patient is drowsy or unconscious, is having convulsions, or has swallowed a strong corrosive such as drain cleaners, electric dishwasher detergent, or acids. In this last case, give liquids only.

In addition, salt water, mustard water, and many other home remedies are ineffective and may be dangerous. Do not use them. Always consult a physician or the Poison Control Centers before inducing vomiting.

www.cdc.gov