The symptoms of oral poisoning maybe burns or stains around the mouth, abnormal breathing, foaming at the mouth, pain in the mouth, throat or stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea convulsions and shock.
Call a doctor or an ambulance immediately. You may be asked the size, weight and age of the victim; if you can, also give the name of the substance swallowed, how much and when, and whether the person has vomited.
On the skin If a dry chemical, such as an alkali, gets on your skin, brush it off thoroughly, remove all contaminated clothing, jewellery and shoes, then flood the exposed flesh with a gentle stream of cold water for at least 10 minutes. Then wash the skin with soap and water. Go to a doctor or to a hospital.
In the eye If a chemical or caustic agent gets into an eye, immediately flood it with cold water for 20 minutes. Run the water from the inside corner of the eye towards the outside, holding the lid open. If only one eye is affected, be careful not to let the water run into the other eye. If both eyes are affected, flood both by pouring water straight down onto the bridge of the nose. After washing, cover both eyes (even if only one is affected) with moist pads and get medical help as soon as possible.
Food poisoning Prolonged vomiting and diarrhoea 2 to 18 hours after eating generally indicate food poisoning. The symptoms continue until the digestive system is empty, usually not longer than 24 hours after eating. The victim may feel ill for another 24 hours. If he develops a fever over 38.3°C/101°F, if vomiting and diarrhoea persist for 48 hours, or if at any point he becomes unresponsive or has a seizure, seek medical help.
Carbon monoxide Headache, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness are the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Get yourself or the victim outside into fresh air, or open all doors and windows and turn off the source of the fumes. If the victim remains groggy, call an ambulance.
