Do not give anything by mouth unless told to by Poisons Information Centre — even for corrosive
substances or chemicals like bleach, petrol, diesel, battery acid
Ask — person or family
What was taken (swallowed, breathed in or on skin or clothes) — is there label for
poison name, type, manufacturer
Bring product to clinic with person
When it was taken
How much was taken — how many tablets, how much liquid, inhaled for how long
If person's prescribed medicine — how much more than normal dose
Was it taken deliberately (on purpose) or by accident
Were alcohol or other drugs taken as well
Nausea, vomiting, pain, shortness of breath
Any treatment given already
Check
Calculate age-appropriate REWS
Adult — AVPU, RR, O2 sats, pulse, BP, Temp
Child (less than 13 years) — AVPU, respiratory distress, RR, O2 sats, pulse, central capillary refill time, Temp
Weight, BGL
ECG and Coma scale score, pupil reactions
Head-to-toe exam with attention to
redness or swelling of mouth, airways and lung sounds
Do
If trouble breathing or reduced level of consciousness — give oxygen to avoid hypoxia
Oxygen to target O2 sats 94–98% OR if moderate/severe COPD — 88–92%
In cases of opioid induced hypoventilation — see Opioids
Call Poisons Information Centre — 131 126
Have above information about person and poison ready
Centre staff will advise you about management
Medical consult about person, advice you have been given, do you need to send to hospital, management
plan, if poison taken deliberately