What to do in case of poisoning? First aid measures

If your child has ingested a toxic substance, it will show typical signs of poisoning. He is throwing up, has convulsions and his consciousness is clouded. In the worst case, your child will become unconscious and stop breathing. Poisonous plants can also be the cause. You can check if you have any in your garden with our poisonous plants checklist .

Find the cause of the poisoning

Try to find out the cause of the poisoning. If your child can already speak and is still conscious, ask them what they have eaten. In most cases, you will also find the source of the accident in the immediate vicinity (e.g. the washing-up liquid bottle or a pack of pills).

Call poison control center

In Germany there are poison control centers in nine cities that advise doctors and private individuals in emergencies. You can find the respective numbers to print out on our emergency form. If your child has ingested toxic substances, call them immediately for more information. The poison center will tell you what you can do to help your child properly.

Act correctly in case of poisoning

• Try to calm your child down
• Follow poison control center instructions
• Observe your child and keep checking their consciousness, pulse and breathing
• If your child has lost consciousness, alert the emergency services immediately and place them in a stable side position (in the case of a baby on their stomach) so that any vomit can drain away unhindered
• If cardiopulmonary arrest occurs, begin CPR .
• Stay with your child until the ambulance arrives.

What NOT to do if you are poisoned

• Don’t act too quickly! The poison control center can tell you how you can best help your child.
• Don’t force vomiting!
• Do not give your child milk or salt water to drink!