First Aid

first aid kit

If someone you know has swallowed or been in contact with a poison, it is important to know the right thing to do. For poison help, call the Ontario Poison Centre right away! We will help by giving you the correct first aid advice if a person swallows a poison, breathes in a poison or gets a poison on their skin on in their eyes.

Call 911 right away if someone:

- stops breathing
- collapses
- has a seizure

After you have provided first aid it is important to call the poison centre for more information.

For swallowed poisons

glass of water

Give the person water to drink they if they are awake and able to swallow. Do not try to make the person throw up.
Call the Ontario Poison Centre right away!

For poisons that are breathed in

open window

Take the person outside to get fresh air immediately. Call the Ontario Poison Centre right away!

For poisons in the eye

running tab

Rinse the person's eyes with lukewarm water. Do not force the eye open.
Call the Ontario Poison Centre right away!

For poisons on the skin

hand washing

Remove any clothing that was touched by poison. Rinse the person’s skin with lukewarm water.
Call the Ontario Poison Centre right away!

Calling with concern

Obtain a copy of the Ontario Poison Centre's Poison First Aid instruction sheet.

Poison First Aid (pdf)

Various medications

Learn more about OPC recommendations regarding treatment of the opioid overdose patient.

Opioid Overdose Management