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Poisoning No one wants to see someone poisoned, but it still happens over a million times a year. As a result, you should be very concerned about possible poisoning in your home, especially accidental poisoning of small children. Suspect a poisoning when somebody suddenly becomes sick, unconscious, or behaves in an unusual manner and there is no explanation for the illness or abnormal behavior. If you take enough of anything it can be poisonous. The most critical period of time is the first hour or two after the poisoning occurs -- do not delay seeking advice.-- Do these things before you call someone: Remove poisons from contact with eyes, skin, or mouth. Eyes: Gently wash eyes with plenty of water for 10 to 15 minutes with the eyelids held open. Remove contact lenses and again wash the eyes. Do not allow victim to rub the eyes. Skin: Wash poisons off the skin with large amounts of plain water. Then wash the skin with a detergent if possible. Remove and discard all contaminated clothing. Mouth: Look into victim's mouth and remove all tablets, powder, plants, or any other material that you find. Also examine for cuts, burns, or any unusual coloring. Wipe the mouth out with a cloth and wash thoroughly with water. Remove victim from contact with poisonous fumes or gases, if safe for rescuer. Get the victim into fresh air. Loosen all tight-fitting clothing. If the victim is not breathing, you should start artificial respiration immediately. Do not stop until the victim is either breathing well or help arrives. Use oxygen if available. Send someone else to call for help. If a caustic poison has been swallowed, you should dilute it by giving one or two glassfuls of milk (or water if milk is not available). For information about what to do next, call: 911 or the Poison Control Center 1-800-456-7707 Identify yourself and your relationship to the victim. Describe the victim by name, age, and sex. Have the package or poison in your hand and identify exactly (as best you can) what the victim took and how much he took. Call for information even if you are not sure. Keep calm. You have enough time to act, but don't delay unnecessarily. How To Induce Vomiting Have syrup of Ipecac available in your first aid kit to induce vomiting. Ipecac is a plant extract that when swallowed irritates the stomach and causes vomiting. It is not harmful if taken as directed, except of course that it will make you vomit. However, there are certain types of poisonings where it should not be used, so call your doctor or the poison center before you use it. Ipecac may be purchased at any pharmacy. Your pharmacist can give you one ounce (30 cc), of syrup of Ipecac without a prescription. All you have to do is request it. It will keep for several years stored at room temperature. If you are instructed to use Ipecac: Give the victim one tablespoon of Ipecac syrup followed by a glass (8 oz.) of liquid, (water, juices, etc.). Then give additional liquid as tolerated. If the patient hasn't vomited within 15 or 20 minutes, give another tablespoon of Ipecac and more water. Don't waste time trying other ways to make the victim vomit. Tickling the back of the throat with your fingers, a spoon or some other object is not very effective. Do not use salt water. It is potentially dangerous. Never induce vomiting if the patient is unconscious, is having convulsions (fits), or has swallowed strong caustics or corrosives. Induce vomiting only if you are instructed to do so by your doctor or the poison center. Never induce vomiting until you are instructed to do so. If you go to the hospital, take or send the poison container, poisonous plant, etc. with you; take any vomitus you collect; don't give substances like stimulants or drugs to the victim. The poison Control Center is open 24 hours a day. Back to the First Aid page.