A child accidentally swallows household cleaner. A family member takes the wrong medication. Someone inhales toxic fumes while cleaning the bathroom.
Poisoning can happen quickly and unexpectedly, affecting people of all ages. Every year, it is one of the leading causes of emergency hospital visits worldwide. Knowing how to recognise the warning signs—and more importantly, what not to do—can make a critical difference while waiting for medical help.
What is poisoning?
Poisoning occurs when a harmful substance enters the body and interferes with its normal function, potentially causing injury to vital organs such as the brain, lungs, heart, liver, or kidneys.
Poisons may enter the body through:
- Swallowing medications, chemicals, plants, or contaminated food
- Breathing in smoke, toxic gases, or chemical fumes
- Skin or eye contact with harmful substances
- Bites, stings, or injections from insects, animals, or contaminated needles
Recognising the Warning Signs
Symptoms vary depending on the type of poison, but common signs include:
Digestive Symptoms
- Sudden nausea or repeated vomiting
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
- Burns or redness around the lips or mouth
- An unusual chemical smell on the breath
Brain and Nervous System
- Confusion or unusual behaviour
- Dizziness or extreme drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Heart and Breathing
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Very fast or unusually slow heartbeat
- Pale, bluish lips or fingernails
- Collapse or fainting
Skin and Eyes
- Chemical burns
- Redness or blistering
- Severe itching
- Eye pain or blurred vision
What Should You Do?
The right first-aid response depends on how the poison entered the body.
If Someone Has Swallowed a Poison
✔️ Remove any remaining substance from the mouth if it is safe to do so.
❌ Do not make the person vomit.
Vomiting certain substances—such as bleach, acids, or drain cleaners—can cause even more damage by burning the throat and increasing the risk of the poison entering the lungs.
❌ Avoid giving food, drinks, raw eggs, vinegar, or home remedies unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
If Poisonous Fumes Have Been Inhaled
✔️ Protect yourself first. Never enter an enclosed area filled with toxic gas unless it is safe to do so.
✔️ Move the person to fresh air immediately.
✔️ Loosen tight clothing to make breathing easier.
If a Chemical Gets on the Skin or in the Eyes
For skin exposure:
- Remove contaminated clothing carefully.
- Rinse the affected skin under cool running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
For eye exposure:
- Flush the eye gently with clean running water or saline for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping the eyelids open.
If the Person Becomes Unconscious
If they are breathing normally but unconscious:
Place them in the recovery position (lying on their side) to help keep the airway clear and reduce the risk of choking if they vomit.
If they stop breathing or have no pulse:
Begin CPR immediately, if you are trained to do so, while someone else calls for emergency medical assistance.
Be Ready to Help Emergency Responders
If possible, bring the medication bottle, chemical container, or packaging to the hospital, as this can help identify the poison quickly.
Medical teams will usually ask:
- What substance was involved?
- How much was swallowed, inhaled, or spilled?
- When did the exposure occur?
- Who has been affected (age, approximate weight, and current symptoms)?
Providing this information can help doctors begin the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.
Don’t Wait if You Suspect Poisoning
Some poisons act within minutes, while others may take hours before symptoms appear. Even if the person initially seems well, serious complications can develop later.
If poisoning is suspected, seek medical advice immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
At Raffles Medical, our experienced emergency physicians are equipped to assess and manage a wide range of poisoning emergencies. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications and improve outcomes.
When it comes to poisoning, acting quickly—and avoiding common first-aid mistakes—could save a life.
