By Monica Weikel

Each year, National Poison Prevent Week is a reminder of how important poison safety and awareness are. In an emergency situation, knowing what to do and having resources on hand like Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) and the Red Cross First Aid app will keep you and your loved ones safe. Take a moment this week to educate yourself on poison prevention – it could make all the difference.

Poison Emergency? Here’s What to Do

If you suspect someone has been poisoned, it’s important to act quickly. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org for information on how to respond.

Here are first-aid steps to take based on the type of poisoning:

If poison is inhaled: Move the person to fresh air. Call Poison Help for further instructions.

If poison is on the skin: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area of skin with water for 15-20 minutes. Call Poison Help for further instructions.

If poison is in the eyes: Flush the eyes with water for 15-20 minutes and call Poison Help for further instructions.

If the person swallowed the wrong medication or too much of it: Do not attempt first aid on your own—call Poison Help for professional advice.

Common Causes of Poisoning

Poisoning can occur in many ways, often during everyday situations. Some common causes include:

• Accidental ingestion of household chemicals (cleaning products, pesticides)
• Medication overdoses or taking the wrong medication
• Carbon monoxide poisoning from household appliances or vehicle fumes
• Food poisoning from spoiled or contaminated food

Be Prepared with the Red Cross First Aid App

Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can save lives. The Red Cross First Aid app provides professional advice for everyday emergencies, including poisoning. This FREE app includes step-by-step instructions, videos, quizzes, and allows users to locate the nearest hospital. Available in English and Spanish, the app has lifesaving information at your fingertips.

Download the Red Cross First Aid app today by texting “GETFIRST” to 90999 or searching for it in your app store.