First Aid for Poison

Poisoning can happen by swallowing a poison, bites, stings, injected drugs, inhaled gases, or chemicals absorbed through the lungs or skin. Of these, swallowing is by far the most common. Look for these symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Changes in consciousness
• Seizures
• Burns around lips, on tongue, or on skin

1. CALL 911 or a poison control center IMMEDIATELY! Be ready to tell them as much information as you can, for instance:
   • the person's age
   • the name of the poison, how much was taken and when
   • whether the person has vomited
   • whether the person is conscious
   • how far you are from medical help
2. If the person is conscious, you may be told to give the person water or milk to dilute the poison.