Poisoning: What To Do In An Emergency

If poisoning is suspected, it is important to act quickly. Depending on the state of health of the person affected, different steps are required. But there are also first aid measures that are not only ineffective, but even dangerous.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can help.

If poisoning is suspected, the following applies in any case: Contact the poisoning information center +43 (0) 1 406 43 43 early to assess the risk.

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The person concerned has no or only slight symptoms
">The person concerned shows signs of acute danger to life

The person concerned has no or only slight symptoms

Keep calm!
In case of skin contact with a toxic substance: rinse the affected area immediately with water, remove soaked clothing.
In case of eye contact with a toxic substance: rinse immediately with water for at least ten to 15 minutes.
If a toxic substance is swallowed: Clean the oral cavity (rinse or wipe).

Danger! Never induce vomiting! There is a risk that the vomit or the poisonous substance will get into the lungs (aspiration) or that passing through the esophagus again can cause additional damage.

Call the as soon as possible

POISON INFORMATION CENTER +43 1 406 43 43.

The following information is important for the consultation:

What: as precise a description of the substance or product as possible.
How much: the exact amount possible.
Who: age, weight, gender, condition of the person concerned.
When: time of the event.
Where: place of the event.
Such as: ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, etc.
Why: accidentally or on purpose.

Then follow the instructions given by the staff on the phone.

The person concerned shows signs of acute danger to life

In the event of acute threatening conditions such as unconsciousness, respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest, life-saving measures must be taken immediately and the emergency number - Rescue 144 - dialed:

Danger! With every first aid service, self-protection always has top priority! In the case of inhalative poisoning (e.g. carbon monoxide) in particular, the first aider is exposed to great self-endangerment. Even the best first aid knowledge is of no use if you are harmed yourself! If your own risk is too great, call the helpers such as fire brigade (122), ambulance (144) or police (133).

After that, you will do an emergency check-up and start resuscitation if necessary. You will find step-by-step instructions based on international recommendations under: First aid measures.