Should I try to force a poisoned person to vomit?

No, generally, you should not try to force a poisoned person to vomit. This practice can be dangerous and cause additional complications, especially if the poison is a corrosive chemical or petroleum product like gasoline [1]. When substances such as gasoline are swallowed, vomiting can lead to the inhalation of the poison into the lungs, causing respiratory problems and coughing [1]. Instead, you should focus on seeking immediate medical help and following the guidance of professionals.

Why is induced vomiting not recommended?

Forcing a poisoned person to vomit may worsen the situation rather than improve it. Toxic substances that cause burns when swallowed can cause additional burns to the esophagus and throat as they come back up with vomit. There is also a risk of inhaling the vomit into the lungs, which can cause serious respiratory problems or pneumonia [1]. In specific cases, such as the ingestion of gasoline, inducing vomiting is strictly prohibited [1].

Correct first aid for poisoning

When poisoning is suspected, it is important to act quickly and calmly. Initial steps depend on the method of exposure to the poison:

• If the poison is on the skin: Remove any clothing that came into contact with the poison. Rinse the skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes [2]. If the poison is gasoline, wash the skin with plenty of soap and water [1].
• If the poison is in the eyes: Rinse the eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes [2]. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them and place them with the contaminated clothing and do not reuse them [1].
• If the poison was inhaled: Move the person to fresh air immediately [2]. Moving away from the contaminated area reduces the risk of death in cases such as exposure to gasoline [1].
• If the poison was swallowed: Do not give the person activated charcoal or ipecac syrup [2]. Do not give the person anything by mouth before speaking with a poison control center [2].

After providing basic first aid, you must call a poison control center or emergency services immediately [2].

When should you call emergency services?

You must call emergency services (such as 911 or your local emergency number) immediately in the following situations [2]:

• If the person loses consciousness.
• If the person is not breathing or their heart has stopped.
• If the person is experiencing seizures (uncontrollable muscle spasms) [1].
• If there are signs of severe poisoning such as difficulty breathing, a change in heart rate (rapid or irregular), or severe confusion [1].

In cases of gasoline poisoning, if the person has swallowed the substance, immediate medical care must be obtained [1]. If you suspect someone has been poisoned, even if symptoms do not appear immediately, you must act quickly [2]. Symptoms can appear slowly or hours after exposure [2].

Preventing poisoning at home

To reduce the risks of poisoning at home, follow these guidelines:

• Keep all medications and household chemicals in their original containers, out of reach of children, and in locked areas [2].
• Never mix household chemicals, as this may produce dangerous gases [2].
• Read and follow the instructions on the labels of medicines and chemical products [2].
• Dispose of expired medications and hazardous chemicals in safe and responsible ways.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors and ensure their batteries are new [2].

For more information on first aid and poisoning prevention, you can visit the article Household Poisoning: First Aid, When to Call Emergency Services, and Prevention (Arabic).

Medical references

• Benzene
• Poisoning