poisoning first aid

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Poisoning First Aid

If you fear you or your child has ingested or been exposed to a toxic chemical,  call the Florida Poison Information Center of Miami immediately at 800-282-3171 or 305-585-5253. The center is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Operators can give emergency treatment information over the phone and refer you to a local hospital for treatment.

DON'T HESITATE TO CALL

Even if you are unsure a poison was taken. Provide your doctor or the Poison Control Center with the following information:

  • Identify yourself and the patient.
  • Give the patient's age, weight and condition.
  • Give your phone number so you can be reached if your call is accidentally disconnected.
  • Give the exact name of the product. Have the poison container available and read the label.
  • Estimate the amount taken.
  • Tell the operator when the poisoning occurred

REMAIN CALM

There is always time to act. Your doctor or the Poison Control Center will give you instructions on what to do next.

If you can't reach the above number, call 911.

View the information below to be prepared in case of an emergency.

 

WHAT TO DO IF POISONED:

Do these things before you call someone:

Remove poisons from contact with eyes, skin, or mouth.

Eyes:

  • Flood the eye with lukewarm (not hot) water. Repeat for 15 minutes. Have person blink as much as possible while flooding the eye. DO NOT FORCE THE EYELID OPEN.
  • Do not allow the patient to rub the affected eye(s).

Skin:

  • Wash the poison off the skin with large volumes of water for 10 minutes, then wash gently with soap and rinse.
  • Remove contaminated clothing.

If poison is swallowed:

         Remove all tablets, powder, plants, etc., from the patient's mouth. Examine for any burns, cuts, irritation, or unusual coloring. IMMEDIATELY CALL YOUR LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER (in Miami 800-282-3171 or 305-585-5253), or CALL 911. The emergency medical technicians will instruct you on the proper course of action.

IF EXPOSED TO GASES OR FUMES:

  • Immediately get victim to fresh air.
  • Open doors and windows wide.
  • Loosen clothing.
  • If not breathing, clear the throat and start mouth-to-mouth respiration.
  • Continue mouth-to-mouth until help arrives.

CALL YOUR LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER OR DOCTOR FOR INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT TO DO NEXT!

IF INSTRUCTED TO INDUCE VOMITING:

HAVE SYRUP OF IPECAC AVAILABLE TO INDUCE VOMITING

         Syrup of Ipecac can be purchased from your pharmacy without a prescription. It will keep stored at room temperature for years. Keep one or two ounces available in your home.

Recommended dosage for Syrup of Ipecac:

Children one year old or less:

2 teaspoonful (10 ml)

 

Children over one year old:

1 tablespoon (15 ml)

Recommended dosage for Syrup of Ipecac:

  • Give the appropriate dose of Syrup of Ipecac with a few ounces of water or a favorite drink.
  • If the patient hasn't vomited in 15 minutes, give another dose of Syrup of Ipecac or more liquids.

DON'T WASTE TIME TRYING OTHER WAYS TO INDUCE VOMITING.

  • Tickling the back of the throat is ineffective.
  • Do not use salt water. It is ineffective and potentially dangerous.

NEVER INDUCE VOMITING IF:

  • The patient is unconscious.
  • The patient is having a convulsion.
  • A caustic (strong acid or alkali) was swallowed.
  • A petroleum product was swallowed (gasoline, lighter fluids, cleaning products, furniture polish, etc.)

IF INSTRUCTED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL:

  • Take the poison and its container, plant, etc., to the hospital.
  • Do not attempt any additional first aid unless your doctor or the Poison Control Center has instructed you to do so.

REMEMBER:

  • Keep calm if a poisoning has occurred.
  • Do not delay in seeking advice.

TO AVOID POISONING:

  • Keep all drugs and dangerous household chemicals locked up.
  • Never place a dangerous chemical in a beverage container.
  • Do not rely on childproof caps. Children can open them.
  • Do not store drugs in purses or drawers or in the medicine cabinet.
  • Never call medicine "candy."

 
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