Emergency

What to do in a poisoning emergency

There are some first aid measures that make a difference if accomplished within seconds to minutes of being exposed to poison.

Be familiar with the steps below for what to do if someone is poisoned:

• Try to remain calm.
• Contact your local emergency service immediately.
• Identify what type of emergency you are dealing with.
• Give your name and contact details to the emergency call centre operator.
• Identify the number of people or vehicles involved.
• Give the physical address and nearest corner or a landmark.
• Stay on the line and answer all the operators questions.

Call your local emergency service immediately if the patient is:

• Unconscious or have a decreased level of consciousness.
• Has breathing difficulty or not breathing at all.
• Having seizures.
• Uncontrollably restless, agitated or combative.
• Whenever you are worried about the patient.