Go with a person who has been poisoned – they could stop breathing on the way to the health facility and you may be able to save their life on the journey.

If you find a person who has been poisoned accidentally or intentionally, apply basic life-supportive care using the ABCDE-T approach. If the poison has been absorbed through the skin, remove any contaminated clothing and wash the body with water and soap. If a chemical has been swallowed which has caused burning of the lips and throat, you can give the person frequent sips of cold water or milk, which may neutralise the poison a little bit. Then refer the person to the hospital or health facility urgently.

Last modified: Friday, 4 July 2014, 11:45 AM