Poisoning: Learn first aid 

Adult first aid for someone who may have been poisoned including signs, symptoms and what to do in an emergency

Signs and symptoms of poisoning

Someone who has taken something harmful may:

  • look paler than usual
  • not be aware of their surroundings or seem disorientated
  • vomit
  • have stomach pain.
  • evidence of the harmful substance around their mouth, or smell of it
  • have empty containers nearby: for example, containers for medication, alcohol or cleaning products

First aid steps for someone who has swallowed something harmful

1.  If the person is responsive, find out what they have taken, when they took it and how much they took.

The emergency services will want to know this information.

2. Call 999.

The substance could be extremely harmful and the person may need urgent medical attention.

3. Keep checking on them as you wait for help to come.

Do not make the person sick. By making them sick, you can cause further damage to their throat or block their airway.

 

Watch Mel's story in this British Red Cross video to learn first aid for poisoning and harmful substances.

Watch a British Sign Language version of how to help someone who has swallowed something harmful.

Frequently asked questions about first aid for someone who has swallowed something harmful

 

How can I tell if someone has swallowed something harmful?

The person may vomit and have stomach pain. They may have evidence of the harmful substance around their mouth, or smell of it. There may be empty containers nearby: for example, containers for medication, alcohol or cleaning products.

What should I do if I think the person seems fine but has swallowed something harmful?

Call 999 anyway, even if they seem to be showing no symptoms. 

Can I give them something to drink?

No, don’t give them anything to drink.

The fluid will enter their stomach and break down the harmful substance. This may result in it being absorbed into their body more quickly. 

Why shouldn’t I make the person sick?

Making them sick can cause more damage to the throat or block their airway.

If they have swallowed something corrosive, the liquid will burn the throat on the way back up, causing more pain and distress. 

What should I do while I wait for the ambulance to arrive?

Get them to sit still, reassure them and listen to what they tell you. 

What should I do if the person becomes unresponsive?

Find out:

 

For more information on how to help someone who has swallowed something poisonous, visit the NHS website. During life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergency medical help, call 111.

Test your knowledge with our First aid app quiz

More first aid skills:

Burns first aid

Meningitis first aid

You might also want to:

Close-up shot of a man's hands holding an iPhone with the British Red Cross First Aid App open on the screen

Access first aid advice easily

Download our free first aid app to learn and practise first aid. With our digital helper, you can have first aid skills with you wherever you go.

Download first aid app
Woman wears a black hoody and jogs through a park.

Get support for managing your wellbeing

Managing your wellbeing is vital to keeping mentally and physically healthy. Use our tips and advice for building resilience and learning coping skills.

Help to support your wellbeing
First aid demonstration

Try a first aid course

Whether you need to learn first aid for work or want to know how to help friends or family. Courses include mental health and specific training for babies and children.

Book a first aid course