Most home poisonings in children happen in moments: grandma's medicine on the table, cleaner in a juice bottle, colorful pills that look like candy. The right first response prevents the greater harm.

In short — what to do

  1. Move the child away from the substance and remove any visible remnants from their mouth — only what you can see.
  2. Never try to induce vomiting, and don't give milk or water "to dilute the poison" unless a professional tells you to.
  3. Keep the container, the medicine, or a photo of it — the substance, the amount, and the time swallowed are the three most important facts.
  4. Assess them: drowsy, seizing, struggling to breathe, turning blue? Call 998 immediately.
  5. If awake and normal: head to the nearest ER for assessment even if they seem fine — some poisons show symptoms hours later.

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Medicines and cleaners locked high, always in original containers
Medicines and cleaners locked high, always in original containers
The full details

The steps

  1. Move the child away from the substance and remove any visible remnants from their mouth — only what you can see.
  2. Never try to induce vomiting, and don't give milk or water "to dilute the poison" unless a professional tells you to.
  3. Keep the container, the medicine, or a photo of it — the substance, the amount, and the time swallowed are the three most important facts.
  4. Assess them: drowsy, seizing, struggling to breathe, turning blue? Call 998 immediately.
  5. If awake and normal: head to the nearest ER for assessment even if they seem fine — some poisons show symptoms hours later.

Special cases

  • Caustic substances (oven cleaner, drain opener): no vomiting and no drinking at all — straight to the ER.
  • Skin or eye contact: rinse with running water for 15–20 minutes.
  • Gas inhalation: get them to fresh air immediately, then call 998.

Do NOT

  • Don't believe recipes like "a drink of milk neutralises poison".
  • Don't wait for symptoms before acting if the substance is dangerous or the amount unknown.
  • Don't give activated charcoal on your own.

Prevention at home

Medicines and cleaners in locked, high cabinets, always in their original containers — never move a cleaner into a water bottle. And put 998 on the fridge.

This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.

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