HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Chemical poisoning
Important
If someone has swallowed a chemical or poison, contact the Poison Information Service immediately: phone 0800 POISON (0800‑764‑766), or seek medical advice from another health professional.
Phone 111 and ask for an ambulance if:
- the person is unconscious or having difficulty breathing
- you are worried that the person looks very ill
- the Poisons Information Service has advised you to.
Swallowing chemicals can burn or otherwise damage a person's digestive system. It can also cause further damage as the person absorbs the chemicals into their bloodstream.
How do I know if someone has swallowed a poisonous chemical?
If someone has swallowed a poisonous chemical they may:
- smell of chemicals
- have burning or redness around their mouth and lips
- have difficulty breathing
- be vomiting (there may be blood in their vomit)
- be semi-conscious or unconscious.
How can I help someone who has swallowed a poisonous chemical?
- Find out what they have taken – either ask them, or find the container.
- Remove anything that might still be in their mouth.
- Do not make them throw up (vomit) unless the Poison Information Service or a healthcare professional tells you to.
- Phone the Poison Information Service on 0800 POISON (0800‑764‑766) and ask for advice.
- If advised, call an ambulance on 111 – make sure you give the poison container to the ambulance team.
- Reassure the person.
- Do not give them anything to eat or drink unless advised to do so by the Poison Information Service.
- If they become unconscious, follow the advice on this page.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created December 2016.
SourceReview key: HIFAD-141030
