An accidental poisoning can be a serious, life-threatening emergency. Knowing the signs of poisoning can help you take action quickly… and maybe safe a life.
A poison can be ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin. A person who has been poisoned may become suddenly ill, or unconscious. You may notice a person who has been poisoned acting strangely.
Common symptoms of poisoning can include: vomiting, stomach pain, trouble breathing, headache, fever, chills, dizziness, drowsiness, pain and swelling in the throat.
If you suspect an accidental poisoning, you may also notice other signs. There may be burns or stains on or around the person’s mouth. The person’s clothes or nearby objects may also be burned or stained by the poison. The victim’s breath (if they are still breathing) may smell like chemicals. Look for open pill bottles or other containers nearby — something that the person may have swallowed, inhaled, or spilled on themselves.
When someone has been accidentally poisoned, time is of the essence. Contact your local poison control center as soon as possible — it’s best to keep the number in your first aid kit or visible near the phone. If you don’t know the poison control center phone number, call 911.
The person you speak to may want to know about the victim (age, weight, relationship, present condition), the poison (what you think was ingested, how much you think was ingested), and how much time has passed.
You may not know the answers to all those questions. Do your best to answer — the more information you can provide, the better the person at the poison control center will be able to assist you. Depending on the type of poison involved and the condition of the victim, you may be instructed on how to care for the victim while you wait for emergency services to arrive.