Poison Information

Main Content

Emergency Information

If the person has collapsed or stopped breathing: call 911, assign someone to locate your nearest automated external defibrillator (AED), check for a pulse, and begin CPR if pulseless.

Poison in the eyes

  • Remove contact lenses if present.

  • Rinse the eyes with lukewarm running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Have the victim blink as often as possible. Do not force the eyes open.

  • Call 1-800-222-1222.

Poison on the skin

  • Remove any clothing that may have been in contact with the substance

  • Rinse the skin with lukewarm running water for 15-20 minutes.

  • Call 1-800-222-1222.

Inhaled poison

  • Immediately get the person to fresh air.

  • If the person is unconscious, not breathing, or pulseless, CALL 911, locate your nearest AED, and begin CPR.

  • If the person is coughing, gagging, short of breath or having difficulty breathing, CALL 911.

  • If indoors with no safe egress, open all doors and windows to improve ventilation.

  • Call 1-800-222-1222.

Swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine

  • If the person is unconscious, not breathing or pulseless, CALL 911, locate your nearest AED, and begin CPR.

  • The treatment varies depending on the poison. Call 1-800-222-1222 for guidance and recommendations.

Swallowed something that is not a food or drink

  • If the person is unconscious, not breathing or pulseless, CALL 911, locate your nearest AED, and begin CPR.

  • The treatment varies depending on the poison. Call 1-800-222-1222 for guidance and recommendations.

  • Antidote labels may be wrong. Do not give salt, vinegar, citrus juice or induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by the Poison Control Center.

Snake bite

  • Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake.

  • DO: immobilize the bitten extremity and maintain it in a neutral position.

  • DO: call 911 and arrange medical transport immediately.

  • Do NOT: attempt to cut the bite area.

  • Do NOT: electrocute the extremity

  • Do NOT: suck the bite area.

  • Do NOT: apply ice to the bitten area.

  • Do NOT: apply a tourniquet.

  • Call 1-800-222-1222. The Poison Control Center can notify the hospital that the patient is enroute and provide treatment advice.

Suicide attempt

  • If the person is unconscious, not breathing or pulseless, CALL 911, locate your nearest AED, and begin CPR.

  • CALL 911 and seek medical care immediately, even in the event the patient is refusing care. Explain to them that they need a medical evaluation even if they feel fine.

  • Call 1-800-222-1222. The Poison Control Center can notify the hospital that the patient is enroute and provide treatment advice.