Emergency
112European emergency 117Police 118Fire brigade 144Ambulance 1414Rega (air rescue) 145Tox Info (poisoning)
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First aid

Poisoning

Emergency call 144. In case of unconsciousness, respiratory arrest or life-threatening bleeding, immediately alert the medical emergency control centre and follow its instructions.

In cases of poisoning by medicines, cleaning agents, plants or mushrooms, the most important resource is Tox Info Suisse on 145 – around the clock, free of charge. Wrong immediate measures such as inducing vomiting or giving milk can increase the harm.

Immediately

  1. If the person is unconscious or has breathing difficulty, call 144 first
  2. Otherwise call Tox Info Suisse on 145 and describe precisely (what, how much, when, age/weight)
  3. Secure the poison/packaging/plant remains and keep them ready

What you should NOT do

  1. Do not induce vomiting unless the specialist centre expressly instructs it
  2. Do not give milk – it can speed up the absorption of some poisons
  3. No home remedies and no salt water
Caution: Do not induce vomiting unless the specialist centre expressly instructs it. Do not give milk (it can speed up the absorption of some poisons). No home remedies, no salt water.

With irritant gas/smoke or skin contact

  1. Get those affected out of the danger area (self-protection!)
  2. Rinse eyes/skin with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing

Further sources

This content is for information only and does not replace first-aid training. We recommend a recognised first-aid or BLS-AED course.