General treatment for poisoning

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In cases of suspected poisoning, it’s crucial to act quickly and efficiently to mitigate the effects and ensure the best possible outcome for the casualty.

General treatment for poisoning

• Ensure your own safety and that you are not in danger of being affected by the poison
• Try and identify the poison, there may be evidence of the poison nearby or the casualty may be able to tell you
• Call 999/112 for an ambulance giving information about the poison if possible
• If the casualty is responsive put them into a comfortable position
• Never induce vomiting but if the casualty vomits keep a sample for emergency services
• If the casualty is unresponsive or becomes unresponsive, open the airway and check breathing
• If they are not breathing normally then begin resuscitation. If there is evidence of the poison around the casualty’s mouth then a face shield should be used when providing rescue breaths
• If the casualty is breathing normally then place them in the recovery position to maintain an open airway and to allow vomit to drain from the mouth
• Monitor the casualty’s airway and response level until the ambulance arrives