HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Chemical poisoning
Poihana matū
Important
Before helping someone, it's important to protect yourself from any chemicals or poisons so you do not become a victim.
If someone has swallowed a chemical or poison, contact the Poison Information Service immediately. The Poison Information Service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 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're worried that the person looks very ill
- the Poisons Information Service has advised you to.
How to tell if someone has been exposed to a poisonous chemical
If someone has been exposed to a poisonous chemical:
- there may be a chemical smell
- they may have burning or redness around their mouth and lips
- they may be having difficulty breathing
- they may be vomiting (and there may be blood in their vomit)
- they may be confused
- they may be semi-conscious or unconscious.
Helping someone who has swallowed a poisonous chemical
- Stay calm and reassure the person.
- Find out what they have taken – either ask them or find the container.
- Remove anything that might still be in their mouth (wipe or rinse their mouth).
- Do not make them throw up 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.
- 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.
Helping someone who has breathed in a chemical or poison
- Move the person quickly from where the gas or fumes are to an area with fresh air. If the gas is very toxic or you do not know what it is, do not try to rescue the person as you may become a victim yourself.
- If they become unconscious, follow the advice on this page.
- Seek medical help immediately.
Helping someone with chemicals or poison on their skin
- Remove any contaminated clothing using gloves.
- Rinse the exposed area with lots of water.
- Seek medical attention if their skin is damaged.
Helping someone with chemicals or poison in their eyes
See Chemicals in the eye for advice.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIFAD-141030
