Depending on the severity of the poisoning, you may also have seizures. You may shake uncontrollably due to the seizure and have difficulty breathing.
Depending on the source of the poisoning, you may experience pain in the area where your body was exposed to the poison. For example, you may feel pain in your mouth, throat, and stomach if you ingest something poisonous or you may feel pain on the surface of your skin if it has been exposed to a poisonous substance.
You should wipe off any of the substance on your face or mouth with a cold cloth so you do not risk swallowing any more of it. You may also wash your hands if you have touched your mouth so you do not risk ingesting more of it.
If you are helping someone who may have been poisoned, make sure you do not come in direct contact with any of their contaminated clothing or items. You do not want to put yourself in contact with the harmful substance.
If a person has passed out in an area with poisonous fumes, you should call 911 and wait for them to arrive. Do not enter the contaminated area to remove the person yourself, as you will be putting yourself in danger.
If you cannot sit upright, you may try lying on your side with a cushion behind your back and your upper leg pulled slightly forward. This is a recovery position and will ensure you do not fall on your face or roll backwards while you wait for help. You can also move a person who has been poisoned into this position if they are unconscious. Do not have anything to eat or drink. Try to simply stay still and stay calm while help is on its way.
You should note any substances you may have swallowed, inhaled, or come in contact with. You should also explain if the substance was taken accidentally or deliberately and how long ago it was taken. You should note how much of the substance was taken, if you can provide this information. You may also need to provide your age, estimated weight, and note any existing medical conditions you may have. You should tell the staff if you are taking any medications.
The doctor may also run an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heart and ensure it is functioning properly.
Activated charcoal: This is used to treat poisoning as the charcoal will bind to the poison and stop it from being absorbed into your blood. Antidotes: These substances can reverse the effects of a poisonous substance. A ventilator: This may be used if you stop breathing or have severe difficulties breathing. Sedatives: This medication may be given if you are agitated or restless due to the poisoning. Anti-epileptic medicine: This medication may be given if you experience seizures due to the poisoning.
