First Aid

For life-threatening emergencies such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, convulsions or fainting , call 911 immediately.

Why Call? The Poison Specialist can determine whether you should care for yourself at home or go to a hospital.

Poison in the Mouth

• Do not make the person vomit until you have checked with the poison center.
• In some cases vomiting can cause more damage.
• Offer sips of water.
• Brush out particles (solid pieces) from the mouth if possible
• Why Call?... Some products can be fatal if swallowed.  Too much medicine can also be life threatening, especially to children.  The poison specialist can also determine if further treatment is needed.
• Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further instructions.

Inhaled Poisons

• Immediately get the person to fresh air.
• Avoid breathing fumes.
• Open doors and windows.
• Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisons in the Eye

• Flood BOTH eyes with lukewarm water (not hot).
• This can be done in the shower by directing the shower stream to the forehead area and letting the water run into BOTH eyes.
• Repeat for 15 minutes.
• Have the person blink as much as possible while flooding the eyes.
• Do not force the eyelid open.
• Do not use eye drops or ointment.
• For further instructions call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisons on the Skin

• Remove contaminated clothing.
• Flood skin with water for 10 minutes.
• Wash with a mild soap (if needed) and water.
• Rinse well.
• Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Use of Syrup of Ipecac in the Home
The Florida Poison Information Center – Miami no longer promotes the storage of Syrup of Ipecac or Activated Charcoal in the home. Syrup of Ipecac should never be given unless advised by a doctor or the Poison Control Center is consulted and recommends it.

All homes, day care centers and schools should post the Poison Control Center hotline number 1-800-222-1222 by the telephone.