Poisoning: What to Do First
Poisoning: what to do first. Call your emergency number if the person has collapsed, has a seizure, trouble breathing or cannot be woken; otherwise call poison help. Do not make the person vomit.
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1. Is it an emergency?
Call your emergency number now (911 in the US) if the person:- has collapsed,
- has a seizure,
- has trouble breathing, or
- cannot be woken. [1]
If the person is not breathing and not responding, start CPR; if they are unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position. [2]
2. Not an emergency yet? Call poison help
In the US, call 1-800-222-1222 or use the online web POISON CONTROL tool. Help is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [1] Other countries: Poison help by country.Do not wait for symptoms. Symptoms may take a few hours or days to start. [2]
3. Do not make the person vomit
Do not induce vomiting. Ipecac syrup is no longer recommended. [1] Do not give lemon juice, vinegar, charcoal or any other home remedy unless a poison expert or health professional tells you to. [3] Charcoal and other treatments are given in hospital when needed. [2]4. First aid by type of exposure
| Exposure | What to do |
|---|---|
| Swallowed | Do not induce vomiting; call poison help. [1] |
| On skin | Use lots of room-temperature running water and rinse for at least 15 minutes. [1] |
| In the eye | Irrigate with water for 15 to 20 minutes, then call poison help; if pain, redness or vision problems persist an hour after you start, get an urgent eye exam. [1] |
| Breathed in | Move to fresh air, then call poison help. [1] |
5. Have this ready for the call
- The container, package or label of what was taken. [2]
- The person's age and weight, what was taken, how, and when.
- What first aid you have already given.
- If there was vomit, keep a sample in a container for the professionals. [2]
Natural remedies are included
Herbs, supplements, essential oils, teas and mushrooms can poison. Examples: an essential oil swallowed by a child (Essential oil safety); a wild mushroom (Plant and mushroom poisoning); a supplement overdose.Animals
Pets use a different line. See Pet and animal poisoning.This page is not a substitute
It is general information. Follow the instructions of your poison center or emergency service. [3]Frequently asked questions
Should I make someone vomit after they swallowed something?
No. Poison Control says not to induce vomiting. [1]
Do I need symptoms before I call?
No. Symptoms may take hours or days to start. [2]
References
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). First aid: Act fast! and Need immediate assistance?. Read 2026-10-22. Help line 1-800-222-1222.
- NHS (United Kingdom). Poisoning. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Poisoning first aid. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.