How to Help a Person Who Has Ingested Poison
The most commonly ingested poisons are drugs (including alcohol), plants and contaminated food. Treatment for ingested poison involves diluting the poison and getting it out of the stomach before it is absorbed into the system.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Advanced First Aid Certification
- First Aid Books
- Dried Mustard
- Activated Charcoal
- First Aid Kits
- Mild Soap
- Syrup Of Ipecac
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1
Identify the source of the poison: Was it a petroleum or corrosive chemical product (camping stove fuel, bleach?)? Was it a plant, food or drug?
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2
Induce vomiting immediately if the following conditions are true: The poisoned person is fully conscious and coherent; you determine that the poison was not from a petroleum or corrosive chemical product. Vomiting may be induced by having the person drink a mixture of 2 tbsp. of syrup of ipecac with a half liter of water.
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3
Administer another dose of syrup of ipecac and water after 20 minutes if the person had not yet vomited.
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4
Mix 5 tbsp. of activated charcoal with a small amount of water after the vomiting has ceased. This mixture will absorb what is left in the stomach.
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5
Drink copious amounts of water after vomiting to dilute the poison.
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6
Save a sample of the ingested substance for identification.
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7
Evacuate to a hospital immediately.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If syrup of ipecac is unavailable, vomiting can be induced using one of the following methods: drink 2 tbsp. of mild soap or 1 tbsp. of dried mustard mixed with a half liter of water; tickle the back of the throat.
Do not induce vomiting if you suspect the person has ingested a petroleum or corrosive chemical product. Vomiting may further damage the esophagus and lungs as the poison comes back up.
Do not induce vomiting if the person is unconscious, disoriented, or having seizures. The vomit may obstruct the airway.
If an unconscious poison victim begins to vomit, turn her on one side to keep the airway open.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
