Poisoning: What to Do First
What to do first if someone may have swallowed, touched or breathed something harmful: 911 for collapse, seizure or trouble breathing, Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 for everything else.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Call 911 now if the person has collapsed, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, cannot be woken. [1] Swelling of the face, eyes or tongue can be a sign of anaphylaxis, which is also a 911 emergency. [2]
In a mental health crisis, or if the exposure may be self-harm, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US). The 988 service says it is available around the clock and is free and confidential. [3] Poison Control advises that when the intent is self-harm, an immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider, usually in an emergency room, is always advised. [4]
For anything swallowed, touched or breathed that might be harmful, and the person is awake and breathing normally, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Expert help is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [4] Outside the US, see Poison help by country.
Do not make the person vomit. [1] Have the container or label ready for the call.
Do not wait for symptoms
Symptoms can take a few hours or days to start. [5] MedlinePlus says to get medical help right away rather than wait for symptoms to develop. [6] A package with no warning label is not proof that what is inside is safe. [6]
What not to do
- Do not induce vomiting. Poison Control says ipecac syrup is no longer recommended. [1] The NHS warns the person could choke and stop breathing. [5]
- Do not try to neutralize the poison with lemon juice, vinegar or any other substance unless the poison center or a health professional tells you to. [6]
- Do not give an unconscious person anything by mouth. [6]
- Drinks: our sources differ. Poison Control describes a small amount of water or milk only for burning or caustic swallowed products in an awake person who can swallow, [1] while the NHS says not to give the person anything to eat or drink. [5] Let the poison expert decide when you call.
First aid by type of exposure
| Exposure | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Swallowed | Do not induce vomiting; get help from poison experts. [1] |
| On the skin | Remove contaminated clothing first, then rinse with lots of room temperature running water for at least 15 minutes. [1] |
| In the eye | Remove contact lenses and irrigate with room temperature water for at least 15 to 20 minutes, then call for help. If pain, redness or vision problems persist an hour after you start, an urgent eye exam is needed. [1] |
| Breathed in | Move to fresh air immediately and stay away from fumes. [1] |
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, the NHS says to start CPR; if unconscious but breathing, to put them in the recovery position. [5] Call 911 first.
Have this ready for the call
- The container, package or label, or some of the substance, to show professionals. [5]
- The person's age, weight and condition, what the product was, how much, and when. [7]
- Any vomit, kept in a container, if the person was sick. [5]
- What first aid you have already given.
The What to tell Poison Help when you call page has a fuller list.
Natural products can poison too
"Natural" does not mean harmless. Poison Control notes that many people think essential oils are harmless because they are natural, yet misuse can cause serious poisoning. [8] Herbs, teas, supplements, essential oils and mushrooms can all be involved. For specific situations see:
- A child swallowed a supplement, essential oil or herbal product
- Plant and mushroom poisoning
- Pet and animal poisoning (animal lines are separate from human poison centers)
- When to call 911, Poison Help or a clinician
Limits of this page
This is general information, not a substitute for your poison center or emergency service. Follow their instructions. MedlinePlus makes the same point about its own poisoning article. [6]
Frequently asked questions
Should I make someone vomit after they swallowed something?
No. Poison Control says not to induce vomiting, [1] and MedlinePlus says not to do it unless poison control or a health professional tells you to. [6]
Do I need to have symptoms before I call Poison Help?
No. Symptoms can take hours or days to start, so call as soon as you think there may have been an exposure. [5]
When is it 911 instead of Poison Help?
Call 911 for collapse, a seizure, trouble breathing, or if the person cannot be woken. [1] Swelling of the face, eyes or tongue can signal anaphylaxis, which also needs 911. [2]
Does Poison Help only cover medicines and chemicals?
Poison Control says its online tool covers most substances, including flowers, leaves, berries and seeds as well as drugs and household products. [4]
Who do I call for a pet?
Not the human poison line. Poison Control says not to use its online tool for pets because toxicity differs between species. [4] Animal poison lines are separate services; see the pet poisoning page linked above and call a veterinarian.
References
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). First aid: Act fast!. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Anaphylaxis. Read 2026-10-22.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Lifeline home page. Read 2026-10-22.
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). Need immediate assistance?. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS (United Kingdom). Poisoning. Page last reviewed 12 June 2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Poisoning first aid. Review date 1/8/2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Iron overdose. Read 2026-10-22.
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). Essential oils: Poisonous when misused. Read 2026-10-22.