Back to: Basic First Aid Senior Living Professionals
Actions to take for Scene Safety in a Poison Emergency:
- Make sure the scene is safe for you and the ill or injured person before you approach.
- If the scene seems unsafe, do not approach. Tell everyone to move away.
- Stay out of the scene if you see multiple people who have been poisoned.
- If the scene is safe, get the first aid kit, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and get the AED.
- Call 911 and National Poison Control Center. Follow dispatcher instructions.
- Tell the dispatcher the name of the poison if you know it (see below questions). Some dispatchers may connect you to a poison control center.
- Look for signs that warn you that poisons are nearby.
- Look for spilled or leaking containers.
- If possible, remove the poison. Remove any contaminated jewelry or clothing and brush off solid substances with gloved hand.
- Rinse contaminated area with water for at least 20 minutes.
- If CPR is required, be sure to wear a breathing barrier to protect yourself from possible exposure to the poison.
Questions the Poison Control Center Dispatcher May ask?
- What is the name of the poison?
- Can you describe it if you can’t name it?
- How much poison did the person touch, breathe, or swallow?
- How old is the person?
- How much does the person weigh?
- When did the poisoning happen?
- How is the person feeling or acting now?
Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222