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First Aid

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year across the country and immediate first aid is very important in a poisoning emergency. 

What to look for:

Signs Symptoms
Burns/redness around the mouth and lips Drowsiness
Bluish lips Confusion or altered mental status
Chest Pain Double vision
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain Dizziness
Difficulty breathing, cough Irritability
Unusual breath odor (presence of a chemical smell) Unconsciousness
Muscle Twitching Numbness/tingling

Could it really be a poison if it wasn’t swallowed?
Not all poisons are swallowed! – poisons can get into a person body through their eyes, mouth, nose or skin.
If you suspect you or someone was poisoned call 1-800-222-1222

CAUTIONS:
DON’T give an unconscious person anything by mouth – they can choke!
DON’T wait for symptoms to develop, if you suspect a poisoning call us at 1-800-222-1222

If the person swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine: Call the Georgia Poison Center (1-800-222-1222)

If someone is having difficulty breathing, having seizures, or is unconscious call 911. 

First Aid Do’s and Don’t’s:

SwallowedEyeSkinInhaledSpiders and InsectsSnakes

DO call 1-800-222-1222
DON’T give them anything
DON’T make the person vomit.

DO call 1-800-222-1222
DO rinse the eye with room temperature water for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
DO remove contacts
DON’T instill any eye drops

DO call 1-800-222-1222
DO rinse the skin with room temperature water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Use a shower if you need to.
DON’T keep the contaminated clothing on

DO call 1-800-222-1222
DO move into fresh air
DON’T stay near the toxic fumes/gas

DO call 1-800-222-1222
DO seek immediate medical attention if the person is having an allergic reaction (hives or swelling around the mouth or eyes; dizziness; and/or difficulty breathing)
DO wash the site with soap and water
DO apply ice/ice pack
DON’T apply heat

DO call 1-800-222-1222
DO flush the area of the bite with water
DO remove jewelry and constricting clothing from the area
DON’T attempt to capture the snake
DON’T apply ice/cold packs
DON’T apply a tourniquet
DON’T eat or drink anything
DON’T take any medications
DON’T attempt to remove the venom by suction or cutting
DON’T elevate the bite higher than heart level

Helpful Information to have available when seeking medical advice:

  1. The age of the person
  2. Any allergies
  3. Health conditions
  4. Medications/vitamins/supplements they regularly take
  5. When you think the poisoning occurred
  6. What is the suspected poison
  7. How much did they take?
  8. Any symptoms
  9. What was done to treat it