A poisonous substance introduced into the body through the mouth or nose causes symptoms such as nausea, cramps, and vomiting. Poisons include toxic medications, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, household disinfectants, and noxious gases.
In a case of poisoning, the first-aid provider should remove the victim from a toxic environment, then contact the poison control center listed in most United States phone books. If the number is unavailable, the provider should call a physician or hospital emergency department. If possible, the provider should try to identify the poison, either by questioning the victim or searching for suspicious containers. Containers of many poisonous substances list the antidote, or remedy, on the label. Burns or stains on the skin or a characteristic odor on the breath may also help the first-aid provider recognize the poison.
Unless instructed to do so by the poison control center, the first-aid provider should never give a poisoning victim anything to eat or drink. …
