Spiral SearchPoisoning Emergency: When to Call 911 and When to Call Poison Control
The Poison Help number, what to have ready, and what to do for swallowing, skin, eye and inhalation exposures.
Call 911 if the person is drowsy or unconscious, has trouble breathing, is having a seizure, is very agitated, or took something on purpose. Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7) for everything else.
General information, not medical advice. Reading a guide is not a substitute for a hands-on first aid or CPR class (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and local fire-rescue departments offer them). If someone may be in danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher.
Who to call
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Unresponsive, hard to wake, trouble breathing, seizure, intentional overdose | 911 |
| Person is awake and has no symptoms, or you are not sure whether it is dangerous | Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 |
What to have ready
- The person's age, weight and symptoms.
- The time of exposure and how much was taken.
- The medication list and the original containers with labels.
By exposure type
- Swallowed: remove anything left in the mouth. Follow the instructions on the container only if poison control confirms them.
- On skin: remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- In the eye: flush with cool running water for about 20 minutes.
- Breathed in: move the person to fresh air immediately.
- Button battery swallowed: go to the emergency department right away, because it can cause severe burns inside the throat.
Do NOT
- Do not make the person vomit. Experts no longer recommend syrup of ipecac or other methods.
- Do not give anything to drink unless poison control tells you to.
- Do not wait for symptoms. Some poisons act slowly.
If the person stops breathing, start CPR. If they vomit, turn the head to the side.
Prevention
Keep medicines, cleaning products and button batteries locked and out of reach. Save the Poison Help number in your phone.