Signs and Symptoms:

Common Emergency Example(s):

First Degree Burn (Superficial) :

These poisons enter the body by swallowing and can include: food, drugs, alcohol,
household and cleaning products, pesticides, plants and more. Some substances may not be
poisonous if taken in a small quantity.

Inhaled Poison:

A person can also be poisoned by breathing in poison, like certain fumes and gases.
Examples include: carbon monoxide (car exhaust), carbon dioxide (from sewers, wells),
chlorine (found in swimming pools), glues and paints.

Absorbed Poison:

These poisons are absorbed through the skin, and include: plants (poison ivy, poison oak
and poison sumac), fertilizers, pesticides and more.

Injected Poison :

An injected poison enters the body through bites or stings of insects, spiders, ticks,
snakes and / or through medical hypodermic needles.

First Aid Actions / Treatment :

1. Assess the scene and check for your safety. Do not approach the person if the scene
   is unsafe. Keep an eye out for signs of a poison – leaking containers, gases, etc.
2. Get a First Aid kit and wear personal protective equipment.
3. Activate EMS (Call 9-1-1) and call National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
   Follow dispatcher instructions. Gather the following information and inform poison
   control of what you learn:
   • Type of poison
   • Quantity taken / inhaled / touched
   • When did it happen?
   • Person’s weight; age
4. If possible, remove the poison. Remove any contaminated jewelry or clothing and
   brush off solid substances with gloved hand.
5. Rinse contaminated area with water for at least 20 minutes.
6. Move the person to a poison-free scene, if possible.
7. If CPR is required, be sure to wear a breathing barrier to protect yourself from
   possible exposure to the poison.