Be Prepared for Poisoning

Have the number of the Poison Control Center posted near the phone. (You can get a telephone sticker from the Utah Poison Control Center or the Summit County Health Department.)

1-800-222-1222

If Poisoning Occurs:

  • Remain calm.
  • If the victim is unconscious, having convulsions or difficulty breathing, call 9-1-1.
  • Otherwise, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Information the Poison Control Center specialist will need:
  • How the victim is feeling or acting right now.
  • Age and weight of the victim
  • The name/description of medicine, product or plant. (Have the item with you.)
  • The amount taken.
  • When it happened.

Emergency Action for Poisoning

Inhaled Poison

Quickly get the person to fresh air. Do not breathe the fumes. Open doors and windows wide.

Poison on the Skin

Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin continuously with water for 15 minutes. Then wash gently with soap and water. Rinse again.

Poison in the Eye

Quickly start rinsing the eye with lukewarm (not hot) water and continue for 15 minutes. Have person blink as much as possible while rinsing the eye. Do not force eyelid open.

Swallowed Poison
  • Medicine: Do not give anything by mouth unless so advised by the Poison Control Center or a doctor.
  • Chemical or Household Product: If the person is awake and is able to swallow, quickly give a glass of water (2 to 8 ounces). Do NOT make the person vomit unless told to do so by the Poison Control Center or a doctor. Do NOT follow first aid instructions on product label – they may be wrong.

Poison Prevention Tips

Store Poisons Safely
  • Store medicines and household product locked up, where children cannot see or reach them.
  • Store poisons in their original containers.
  • Use child-resistant packaging. But remember – nothing is child-proof!
Use Poisons Safely
  • Read the label. Follow the directions on medicines and products.
  • Are children around? Take the product or medicine with you to answer the door or the phone.
  • Lock products and medicines up after using them.
  • Is it medicine? Call it medicine, not candy.
  • Children learn by imitation. Take your medicines where children can’t watch.
Teach Children to Ask First
  • Poisons can look like food or drink. Teach children to ask an adult before eating or drinking anything.

Prevent Poisonings at Home

Products and medicines can hurt you if they are used the wrong way, in the wrong amount, or by the wrong person.

Be aware of potential poisons around your home and take the proper precautions to ensure your family’s safety.

Kitchen:
  • Oven Cleaner
  • Drain Opener
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Furniture Polish
Bedroom:
  • Medicines
Bathroom:
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Hair Relaxer
  • Perm Solutions
  • Nail Products
  • Mouthwash
Garage:
  • Pesticides
  • Rust Remover
  • Gasoline
  • Kerosene
  • Paint Thinner
  • Lighter Fluid
  • Lamp Oil
  • Antifreeze
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
Yard:
  • Wild Mushrooms
  • Weed Killer

Contact Us

Alyssa Mitchell – Health Educator, Summit County Health Department

650 Round Valley Drive, Park City, UT 84060
Phone: 435-333-1508
amitchell@summitcounty.org