In the past, inducing vomiting was a common way to handle instances where someone had been poisoned. While this can help remove some or most of the poison from the body, it’s no longer recommended because it can be risky. Instead, there are other steps to take that can help someone who has been poisoned get the medical care they need.
Why Inducing Vomiting is No Longer Recommended
Many people grew up learning that inducing vomiting was the first step to take when someone may have ingested poison or something that’s toxic. However, knowing how to induce vomiting safely is necessary, and it may not always be the best option to deal with accidental ingestions. When vomiting is induced, the person could end up aspirating, which makes the medical emergency more serious and may complicate the potential treatments. Doctors can access other treatments for the poison to help the person recover, which are much safer. Because of this and the speed at which emergency care can be obtained, inducing vomiting is no longer recommended unless done under a doctor’s supervision in extreme cases.
Call Poison Control for Help
If the person seems stable at the time, it is a good idea to call poison control for help. Poison control can help with figuring out what the person ingested, determining whether they need immediate medical care, and finding the right care for them. Poison control can answer questions from anyone and is available to help doctors, if necessary, to find the right treatment based on the type of poison ingested. This is generally safer than inducing vomiting, so it should be the first option as long as the person is stable.
Call for Emergency Services if Needed
If the person is not stable or there are concerns that they will get worse quickly, emergency services should be called. This can be done after calling poison control if they recommend emergency medical care. An ambulance can help stabilize the person until they are able to get to the hospital, so they have a better chance of successful treatment for the poison. Dispatchers can help provide information on how to help the person until the emergency services arrive.
How to Keep the Person Stable
While waiting for emergency assistance, it is important to keep a close eye on the person in case anything happens and their situation becomes worse. Remove access to any other harmful substances, then move them into a safe position. Keep a close eye on them in case they do throw up on their own so they don’t aspirate, and monitor their breathing to make sure there are no major changes.
Prepare to Prevent Further Issues
It is always a good idea to make sure any potentially hazardous items are put away and out of reach, especially around young children or those who may be more vulnerable. Medications, chemicals and cleaning supplies, and more should all be locked away or out of reach to prevent accidental poisoning.
If you’re worried that someone has ingested something poisonous, inducing vomiting is considered a risky option. Instead, use the information here to help get them emergency medical care so they can recover safely. Always follow a doctor’s advice for how to handle the situation to avoid inadvertently making it worse.
