Poisoning

Poisons Information Centre — emergency number: 131 126

If person unconscious, drowsy or fitting — see Life support — DRS ABC, Unconscious person, Fits — seizures

Do not

  • Do not cause vomiting
  • Do not give anything by mouth unless told to by Poisons Information Centre — even for corrosive substances or chemicals like bleach, petrol, diesel, battery acid

Ask — person or family

  • What was taken (swallowed, breathed in or on skin or clothes) — is there label for poison name, type, manufacturer
  • Bring product to clinic with person
  • When it was taken
  • How much was taken — how many tablets, how much liquid, inhaled for how long
  • If person's prescribed medicine — how much more than normal dose
  • Was it taken deliberately (on purpose) or by accident
  • Were alcohol or other drugs taken as well
  • Nausea, vomiting, pain, shortness of breath
  • Any treatment given already

Check 

  • Calculate age-appropriate REWS
    • Adult — AVPU, RR, O2 sats, pulse, BP, Temp
    • Child (less than 13 years) — AVPU, respiratory distress, RR, O2 sats, pulse, central capillary refill time, Temp
  • Weight, BGL
  • ECG and Coma scale score, pupil reactions
  • Head-to-toe exam with attention to
    • redness or swelling of mouth, airways and lung sounds

Do

  • If trouble breathing or reduced level of consciousness — give oxygen to avoid hypoxia
    • Oxygen to target O2 sats 94–98% OR if moderate/severe COPD — 88–92%
  • In cases of opioid induced hypoventilation — see Opioids
  • Call Poisons Information Centre — 131 126
    • Have above information about person and poison ready
    • Centre staff will advise you about management
  • Medical consult about person, advice you have been given, do you need to send to hospital, management plan, if poison taken deliberately