What is the first step in caring for a responsive victim who has swallowed a poison?

It's important that you irrigate (rinse the exposed eyes) immediately. Every second matters and a delay could result in loss of sight. Remove contact lenses. Use lots of room temperature water and irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Adults and older children may find it easier to hop in the shower. Wrap young children in a towel and let water from the faucet in the kitchen sink run over the eye - or slowly pour water from a pitcher. Let the water hit the bridge of the nose and gently run into the eyes rather than pouring the water directly into the eye. Important: Irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Encourage blinking.

After the 15 to 20 minute irrigation, let the eye rest while you call Poison Control for additional help. If irritation, pain, visual problems, redness, swelling, or tearing persist an hour after irrigation is started, you'll need an urgent ophthalmic exam. That means a trip to an urgicenter or emergency room right away, unless an eye doctor can see you immediately. If the symptoms are severe, don't wait an hour - go straight to an emergency room after irrigating.

After irrigating, use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.

After the 15 minute rinse, call Poison Control for additional guidance. If blistering, large or deep burns, pain, redness, or swelling worsen or persist, you will need to see a doctor right away. But first call the poison specialists at Poison Control to see whether a trip to an urgicenter or emergency room is urgent or necessary. If the symptoms are severe, go straight to an emergency room after rinsing. Don't wait.

After irrigating, use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.

After moving to fresh air, use webPOISONCONTROL to get specific recommendations online or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for help.

Poison Precautions and Prevention

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year across the country. The Red Cross urges people to follow these steps to help prevent, treat and respond to poisoning:

• If you suspect a poisoning emergency, call the National Poison Control Center toll-free at (800) 222-1222. Post this and other emergency phone numbers by all of your telephones.

• Keep all chemicals and medicines locked up and out of sight.

• Be careful when handling substances, chemicals and cleaners that could be harmful. Only use them in well-ventilated areas and wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask.

• Use common sense with your own medications.

• Keep medications in the containers they came in. Make sure they are kept out of children's reach.

• Read the product information carefully. Use only as directed.

• Be aware of the possible side effects and any possible interactions with other medications you are taking. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Never use another person's prescribed medications or medications that have expired

Poisons can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed or injected

• Check the scene and the person. Try to find out what poison was taken. Look for any containers and take them with you to the phone.

• Call the National Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 and follow their instructions.

• Care for any life threatening conditions found. DO NOT give the person anything to eat or drink unless directed to do so by the National Poison Control Center or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in the hallways near sleeping areas, avoiding corners where air does not circulate, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to test the alarm every month.

• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 9-1-1.

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