Obviously, the best way to save yourself from poisoning is to prevent getting poisoned in the first place. But if you do manage to become poisoned, there are many steps you can take to "save yourself".


Steps

1. Call Poison Control. This is the most simple way to save yourself. They know the remedy to any and all types of poisons.
2. If you don't call poison control, or if their number isn't convenient, call 911.

EMS and/or the Emergency Room can and will do a number of things to reverse and save you from poisoning. Poison control might also instruct you to do some of the following.

1. Ingestion
   1. Syrup of ipecac: causes people to throw up. NEVER take this without poison control's instruction. It should also not be taken if the recipient is semi-conscious, as they can aspirate (choke) on their own vomit.
   2. Gastric emptying: basically a tube is shoved down your esophagus through your mouth or nose and the contents of your stomach are emptied.
   3. Activated charcoal: a charcoal substance that can counteract some drugs.
2. Inhaled
   1. Oxygen: will be given to you anytime paramedics assist or you are in the hospital. But oxygen will be emphasized with an inhaled poison patient.
   2. Removal from area: you can do this yourself; get out of the area; go outside/inside away from the poisonous area.
3. Injected
   1. Immediately brought to the hospital
4. Absorption
   1. Brush the poison off as best you can
   2. You might be instructed to wash it off with soap and water

Tips

• You should try to avoid poisoning in the first place.
  • Make sure everything you eat is not expired and correctly prepared.
  • Keep your poisonous things away from foods and drinks.
  • Wash your hands after handling poisonous things.
  • Stay away from plants and animals which are poisonous.
• Another way to make someone throw up is obtained by sliding two fingers into the persons mouth and stroking and tickling the back of their throat. At first gagging will occur. Very soon after that they will throw up.

Warnings

• Always call 911 and/or Poison Control. There is very little you can do for poisoning by yourself!
• There is no universal cure for ingestion of poison; sometimes it is best to induce vomiting, other times you should dilute it with water.
• Remember, if the top of a food can is popped up, do not eat from it or eat what's inside of it!