Poisoning

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Known poisoning with any symptoms
• Loss of consciousness
• A change in level of consciousness, such as sudden sleepiness, confusion, or decreased alertness
• Extreme anxiousness, nervousness, irritability, or tremors
• A seizure
• Chest discomfort or pain with symptoms of a heart attack
• Signs of shock
  • In a child
  • In an adult and older child
• Any symptoms of trouble breathing
  • In a child
  • In an adult and older child
• Symptoms of damage to the mucous membranes or burns in the mouth or throat

After calling 911 or other emergency services:

• If the person becomes unconscious, see Rescue Breathing and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in the topic Dealing With Emergencies. Be sure to tell emergency personnel what first aid measures have been tried.
• Call your local or provincial poison control centre. Have the poison container with you so you can give complete information to the poison control centre, such as what the poison or substance is, how much was taken and when. Do not try to cause vomiting. However, if your poison control centre recommends vomiting for a specific substance, follow their guidelines.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you know that any of the following situations have occurred, go to the specific topic for more information.

• Alcohol or drug abuse: Go to the topic Alcohol and Drug Problems.
• Chemical substance in the eye: Go to the topic Burns to the Eye.
• Suicide attempt: Go to the topic Suicidal Thoughts or Threats.

Yes	Do you know that a poisoning has occurred, but no symptoms are present?
Yes	Do you think that a poisoning has occurred?
Yes	Do you think that a poisoning was an attempt at suicide?
Yes	Do you think poisoning was caused by another person?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you need more information on any of the following topics?

• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Go to the topic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
• Food poisoning: Go to the topic Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older or Food Poisoning and Safe Food Handling.
• Lead poisoning: Go to the topic Lead Poisoning.
• Swallowed objects: Go to the topic Swallowed Objects.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 15, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
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