Poisons first aid


Is a person unconscious or not breathing?

Call Triple Zero (000), ask for an ambulance, and start CPR immediately.

If you or someone in your care may have been poisoned, do not wait for symptoms. Call us for advice on 13 11 26.

Poisoning pathways

Swallowed poison

  • DO NOT induce vomiting
  • DO NOT eat or drink until you have spoken to the NSW Poisons Information Centre
  • Take a photo of the label or if not possible, note product details including brand and product name
  • Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26

Poison in the eye

  • Gently flood the eye with cool water from a running tap or a cup/jug
  • Continue for 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open
  • Take a photo of the label or if not possible, note product details including brand and product name
  • Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26

Poison on the skin

  • Remove contaminated clothing, taking care to avoid contact with the poison
  • Flood skin with cool running water
  • Take a photo of the label or if not possible, note product details including brand and product name
  • Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26

Inhaled poison

  • Immediately get the person to fresh air, without placing yourself at risk
  • Avoid breathing in the fumes
  • If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows wide
  • If the victim isn't breathing, start CPR and call an ambulance on 000
  • Take a photo of the label or if not possible, note product details including brand and product name
  • Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26

When to apply pressure bandages


USE a pressure bandage for:

  • Bites from all Australian snakes, including sea snakes
  • Funnel web spider bites
  • Blue-ringed octopus and cone shell stings

See also: Bites and stings
 


DO NOT USE a pressure bandage for:

  • Spider bites other than a funnel web spider
  • Jellyfish stings
  • Stonefish and other fish stings
  • Bee, wasp and ant stings
  • Scorpion, centipede or beetle stings

How to apply a pressure bandage

A diagram of a foot with a bite mark and starting to get bandaged
1. Lie person down if possible. Apply a firm bandage over the bitten area (preferably using a wide elasticised bandage).
Graphic showing a leg being wrapped in a bandage
2. Wrap bandage around the entire limb (fingers to shoulder or toes to the hip). The bandage should be tight.
Graphic showing a splint being added to a bandaged leg
3. Apply a rigid splint to the limb (piece of wood, branch, or rolled up paper).
Bandaged leg with splint graphic
4. Warp bandage around splint as firmly as possible. Walking should be restricted.
Graphic of a bandaged arm in sling
5. Bites on the hand and forearm should be bandaged to the elbow. A splint and sling should be used.