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Poisoning
If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency please contact Triple Zero (000) immediately
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Introduction
Poisoning occurs when harmful substances are swallowed, inhaled, absorbed, or injected into the body. It can happen accidentally in the home, workplace, or community, with children being particularly vulnerable. Many everyday products, including medicines, cleaning chemicals, and plants, have the potential to cause poisoning. Awareness of poisoning risks reinforces the importance of safe storage and handling of hazardous substances.
Signs and Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Burns around mouth
Difficulty breathing
Altered consciousness
Seizures or collapse
What you should do?
Follow DRSABCD
Call 000 or Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) immediately
Do not induce vomiting
If inhaled: move casualty to fresh air
If on skin/eyes: flush with water for 15 minutes
Keep sample of substance if possible
Monitor breathing and circulation
These fact sheets are provided by Royal Life Saving to support public, workplace, school, and community education. They must be used in their full and current format and are not permitted for commercial purposes unless written approval is obtained. The information is not a substitute for accredited First Aid training, and users are encouraged to complete recognised courses and refresh their skills regularly. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, Royal Life Saving does not accept responsibility for how the material is applied, and users should always check they are referring to the latest version. Use of this content does not imply endorsement or partnership, and Royal Life Saving may request that use of its materials cease if considered inappropriate or unauthorised.
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