If you suspect someone in your home or nearby you has been poisoned, there are two key things you must do immediately:
Dial 911: – Tell the call taker that someone may have been poisoned, your specific address AND location, and then explain why you think someone may be poisoned. Take the instructions from the call taker and assist the individual until help arrives.
Call the Poison Control Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
You may find a lot of information about Poison Control at the website produced by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Separately, you should know what you may have about your home that is poisonous… and to whom.
When you talk to your family and friends about poison, keep these things in mind:
- Never call medicine “candy.” This can be confusing to children.
- People use many products that they may not think of as poisons. Remind people that certain everyday products can be poisonous.
- Explain that some poisons, such as carbon monoxide, cannot be seen or smelled – but they are still dangerous.
There is a lot of additional information that you may find useful online, including:
Kid tips on poison [ website ]
Teen tips on poison [ website ]
Adult tips on poison [ website ]
Older Adult tips on poison [ website ]
The fact is – people are poisoned all the time – and typically from things laying around the house or garden. Don’t get caught out due to negligence. Make your home safe from poison and join MySafe:LA is creating a LifeSmart:LA environment.
