EMERGENCY FIRST AID - TYPES OF EXPOSURE

Swallowed or Ingested Poison

• Gently remove any remaining poison from the mouth.
• Call Carolinas Poison Center for further advice.
• DO NOT wait for symptoms to appear.
• NEVER make the victim throw up. Carolinas Poison Center Specialist will know if this is necessary.
• Bring the plant, poison or drug container to the phone. The Specialist may ask you to identify the ingredients.
• If you have to go to the Emergency Department take the container and/or substance with you.

• Remove any contaminated clothing. Protect yourself with a glove when removing the clothing.
• Rinse affected area with large amounts of room temperature water and soap if available.
• Call Carolinas Poison Center for further advice.
• Wash the contaminated clothing as soon as possible and separately from any other clothing.
• Some clothing and shoes may have to be thrown away.

• Flush eye immediately with a continuous flow of room temperature water for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove contact lens before flushing eye.
• Rinse from the top of the nose toward the side of the face, away from the other eye.
• Do not just splash water into eye or wipe with wet wash cloth.
• Do not use eye drops.
• Call Carolinas Poison Center for further advice.

• Get the victim to fresh air as soon as possible.
• Open doors and windows.
• Avoid breathing fumes, then call Carolinas Poison Center for further advice.
• If the victim is unconscious or not breathing CALL 911 immediately and start artificial (mouth-to-mouth) respiration if the victim is not breathing.
• If you smell gas, call 911 or the Fire Department. Also, your local gas company may be called to check for gas leaks.

• STAY CALM-not all bites are harmful.
• Emergency treatment varies depending on the type of bite.
• Insects, ticks, nonpoisonous spiders and bees are the most common insects that bite. They are usually not harmful.
• Poisonous spiders and snakes can be a problem.
• If bitten:
  • NEVER use a tourniquet
  • NEVER pack with ice
  • NEVER "cut and suck"
• Try to identify the creature and call Carolinas Poison Center with your description for advice.
• Do not try to kill a snake. It may bite you again.