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Poisoning
What to look for
- Vomiting or retching
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Confusion
- The odour of a substance that may have been ingested, e.g. petrol, ammonia
- Burns to or a burning sensation in or around the mouth
- Headache
- Signs of shock
- Breathing problems
- Convulsions and delirium
- Seizures
- Change of skin colour, or blue lips and extremities
- Unconsciousness.
What to do
- Obtain information
- Ask the casualty or bystanders what substance they swallowed, how much and when.
- Look for any container, bottle, plant, substance or vomit near the casualty. Give these to medical assistance.
- Obtain advice. Contact the Poisons Information Centre by calling 131126, or call 000.
- Follow instructions.
- Seek medical assistance urgently.
- Treat to minimise shock.
Do not induce vomiting if
- the substance is
- unknown
- corrosive
- petroleum based
- the instructions on the original container advise against vomiting
- the casualty is unconscious
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