Household poisoning: first steps

In short: Household chemicals, medications, and certain plants can cause poisoning if accidentally ingested, especially in children. Correct first-aid steps and quick expert advice are crucial.

In more detail: Poison control centres offer free, around-the-clock advice on specific poisoning cases.

In detail

• Immediate measures: Rinse the mouth, identify the substance and amount, but do not induce vomiting without explicit instructions.
• Contacting poison control: Based on the substance and amount, poison control can accurately assess whether and what measures are needed.
• Keep the packaging: The original packaging or plant remains help quickly identify the toxic substance.
• Child-proofing: Dangerous substances and medications should generally be stored out of children’s reach.
• Toxic houseplants: Some popular houseplants such as dieffenbachia are toxic to children and pets.
• Recognising symptoms: Nausea, confusion, or breathing difficulties can indicate poisoning and require immediate action.
• Note: Not a substitute for medical advice; when in doubt, contact poison control or emergency services immediately (erste-hilfe-grundlagen, haustier-ernaehrung-und-giftige-lebensmittel).