[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/HxhJYkujxgU”] [su_expand more_text=”Show More”] The most important step in aiding a poison victim is to call the GPC immediately.  Never wait for symptoms to occur; even if the victim looks and feels fine, you still need to call immediately. Poisoning related symptoms can be delayed.  What you do in the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Staff at the poison control center is available to provide quick, accurate, and precise poisoning treatment advice.  If necessary, the victim will be referred to the nearest health care facility for treatment. If you think someone has been poisoned, follow the first-aid steps below and call the GPC (1-800-222-1222) right away. For Swallowed Poisons:

• Do not induce vomiting
• Call the GPC immediately

For Inhaled Poisons:

• Get the victim to fresh air immediately
• Open all windows and doors
• Call the GPC

For Poisons on the Skin:

• Remove all contaminated clothing
• Rinse the victim’s skin with water for 20 minutes
• Call the GPC

For Poisons in the Eye:

• Flush the victim’s eye with lukewarm water for about 20 minutes
• Do not force the eyelids open
• Call the GPC

***Note: If a person is non-responsive, has difficulty breathing, is not breathing, or is having seizures call 9-1-1 immediately*** 24-Hour Poison Emergency Phone Number: 1-800-222-1222 Teletype for the deaf and hearing impaired only: (TDD) 404-616-9287  **Syrup of Ipecac is a plant extract that was used to make a person vomit to partially empty a person’s stomach after ingestion of a poison. In 2003, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued its new guideline on Syrup of Ipecac.  The GPC is in agreement with the AAP guideline and recommends that Syrup of Ipecac should no longer be used as a home treatment for poisonings. Likewise, the American Association of Poison Control Centers no longer recommends this product. Instead, we recommend calling your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. [/su_expand]