If you suspect someone has been poisoned, you should make sure they seek professional medical attention.

What is it?

A poisonous substance can damage the body, temporarily or permanently. It can be taken accidentally, for example by a child, or intentionally, as in attempted suicide.

Alcohol and drugs can function as poisons in certain circumstances.

Symptoms

The effects of poisoning depend on the substance that has been swallowed. Look for:

• Pain and nausea
• Possible vomiting
• Lethargy and sleepiness
• Unconsciousness
• Cardiac arrest

First aid aims

.Check around casualty for danger

• Maintain an open airway
• Arrange for casualty to be taken to hospital

Actions - if casualty is conscious

• Check for danger at scene of poisoning
• Ask what they have swallowed
• Never attempt to induce vomiting

Actions - if casualty is unconscious

• Check for response
• Maintain an open airway and start resuscitation if necessary
• Go to the nearest hospital.

Further actions

• If possible, give details of the poison when get to the hospital
• Give any medicines or tablets to the ambulance crew
• Monitor the casualty while waiting for the ambulance to arrive