First Aid and Safety

If you think your child has been poisoned, Don’t Delay! Call (01) 809 2166
(Daily 8am-10pm)

Your call will be answered by a Specialist in Poisons Information who will tell you if medical attention is needed.
Outside these hours, contact your GP or hospital. In case of emergency call 999 or 112

If a poison has been eaten

  • Do Not make the person vomit.
  • Never give salt water to the person.
  • Do not give the person anything to eat or drink unless directed to do so by healthcare staff.
  • Ring the Poisons Centre for immediate advice.

If a poison has splashed into the eyes

  • Wash them out immediately.
  • Continue washing for at least 15 minutes.
  • Do not put anything onto the eye other than water.
  • Ring the Poisons Centre for immediate advice.

If a poison has splashed onto the skin

Immediate decontamination is essential.

  • Avoid being contaminated yourself while giving first-aid.
  • Remove any contaminated clothing.
  • Wash the skin thoroughly with running tap water, for at least 15 minutes. Make sure the water drains away from the patient.
  • DO NOT put anything on the exposed skin other than water.
  • Ring the Poisons Centre for immediate advice.

If a poison has been inhaled

DO NOT put yourself in danger. DO NOT enter a contaminated area without proper protective equipment.

  • Remove the person to fresh air as soon as possible.
  • Ensure the airway is clear.
  • Call for medical assistance.
  • Start artificial respiration if the patient is not breathing.

If the person needs to go to hospital try to bring the following items along:

  • The container that the poison was in.
  • A sample of the plant that was involved in the poisoning incident, for example a branch with leaves, berries, flowers.
  • If a mushroom was eaten take the entire mushroom or any remaining parts to the emergency department.