First Aid for Suspected Poisoning

  • 5 min reading time

Poisoning can happen in homes, workplaces and public settings. It may involve medicines, household chemicals, carbon monoxide, plants, alcohol or other substances. Some exposures are mild, while others can become life-threatening.

This guide explains how suspected poisoning is approached in UK first aid, what to do immediately, and when to call 999.

The information below is general first aid guidance and does not replace professional medical advice.

What counts as poisoning?

Poisoning occurs when a harmful substance enters the body. This can happen through:

  • Swallowing (ingestion)
  • Breathing in fumes or gases (inhalation)
  • Skin contact (absorption)
  • Splashes to the eyes

Some substances act quickly, while others cause symptoms gradually.

Common causes of poisoning

Examples include:

  • Medicines taken incorrectly
  • Cleaning products and household chemicals
  • Industrial chemicals and fumes
  • Carbon monoxide from faulty appliances
  • Alcohol or recreational substances
  • Plants, berries or mushrooms

Warning signs of poisoning

Symptoms vary depending on the substance and route of exposure, but may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  • Drowsiness or confusion
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Burns around the mouth (after chemicals)
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

If someone is very unwell, treat it as an emergency.

What to do immediately

  • Make sure you are not exposed to the same hazard
  • Remove the person from danger if it is safe
  • Call 999 if the person is seriously unwell, has breathing problems, seizures or is unconscious
  • If the person is conscious, seek urgent advice from professional services

If the person becomes unconscious, see First Aid for an Unconscious Person.

What not to do

Unless advised by professionals, you should not:

  • Make the person vomit
  • Give food or drink to “dilute” chemicals
  • Give medication to counteract the substance

Some actions can increase harm, especially with corrosive substances.

If poisoning is from inhaled fumes or gases

If fumes or gases are involved:

  • Move the person to fresh air if safe to do so
  • Open windows and doors if possible
  • Call 999 if breathing is difficult or the person collapses

Carbon monoxide exposure can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and collapse. Always treat suspected carbon monoxide exposure as serious and seek urgent help.

If poisoning is from skin contact

If a chemical is on the skin:

  • Remove contaminated clothing if safe
  • Rinse the skin with plenty of cool running water
  • Avoid spreading the substance to other areas

If there are chemical burns, see Burns & Scalds First Aid.

If poisoning is from splashes to the eye

Eye exposure to chemicals requires urgent flushing:

  • Rinse the eye with plenty of clean water
  • Continue rinsing while seeking urgent medical advice

See First Aid for Eye Injuries.

When to call 999

You should call 999 immediately if:

  • The person is unconscious or has collapsed
  • Breathing is abnormal or difficult
  • There are seizures
  • There is suspected carbon monoxide exposure
  • A corrosive chemical has been swallowed

Poisoning situations and first aid focus

Exposure type Example First aid focus
Swallowed Medicines, cleaning products Seek urgent advice, do not induce vomiting
Inhaled Fumes, gases, carbon monoxide Fresh air if safe, call 999 if unwell
Skin contact Industrial chemicals Rinse with running water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye contact Chemical splash Flush continuously and seek urgent care

Poisoning in workplaces

Workplaces that use chemicals should have clear procedures, including how to access safety data sheets and emergency contact information.

Risk-based planning is explained in Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment (UK).

Recording and reporting

Workplace incidents should be recorded. Some serious poisonings may also be reportable.

See Accident Reporting & First Aid Records (UK) and RIDDOR & First Aid Explained.

Common myths about poisoning

  • Making someone vomit is always helpful
  • Milk or water will always neutralise chemicals
  • If symptoms are mild, no advice is needed
  • Poisoning always shows immediate symptoms

Poisoning can worsen over time, and professional advice should be sought promptly.

Suspected Poisoning — First Aid FAQ

Should you make someone vomit after swallowing a poison?
No. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by professionals.
When should you call 999?
Call 999 if the person is very unwell, has breathing problems, seizures, collapses, or if a corrosive substance is involved.
What should you do for chemical splashes to the eye?
Flush the eye with plenty of clean water and seek urgent medical advice.
Is carbon monoxide poisoning serious?
Yes. It can cause collapse and requires urgent emergency assessment.
Should poisoning incidents be recorded at work?
Yes. Record incidents and review controls. Some serious cases may be reportable.

 

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