The decision to induce vomiting is a serious one. It should never be done unless the first aid provider has been instructed to induce vomiting by a medical professional, or during a call to a local poison control center where the operator has given instructions to induce. The American Association of Poison Control Center states that nearly 70 percent of poison-related calls are managed adequately through telephone contact.
Step 1
Ask another person (if present) to quickly call 911. If you're alone, quickly complete Steps 2 and 3 first, and then call 911. Regional poison centers have call-in services. If that number is not available, call the national center at (800) 222-1222.
Step 2
Look for evidence of possible poisoning. This might include pill containers, cleaning products spilled near the person, or odor or staining on the person’s clothing. Look for pill or powder remnants in the mouth. If these are present, take a paper towel or piece of cloth and remove these. Examine the mouth for changes in color, any burns or cuts, or swelling. Save anything found in the mouth for possible emergency room analysis. Smell the person’s breath for possible odor.
Step 3
Examine the person's body for any swelling, skin blisters or burns.
Step 4
Wipe the mouth with a damp cloth to remove any poisonous residues.
Step 5
Wait for directions from the medical professional on the telephone.
Step 6
Have the person sit in an upright position, with assistance. if necessary. If asked to induce vomiting, move bag, towels and syrup to the patient.
Step 7
Measure the ipecac syrup. Adults and children over 7 should take 2 tsp. (30cc). Young children should be given 1 tsp. (15cc) of syrup.
Step 8
Have the person drink fluids. Measure approximately 1 cup of noncarbonated fluid into a cup. Allow the person to drink.
Step 9
Encourage the person to move. If the patient is thirsty, allow them to drink additional water or juice. Keep the person moving.
Step 10
Wait 20 minutes. If vomiting has not occurred, repeat Steps 8 through 10.
Step 11
Collect the vomited material for hospital analysis.
Tips and Warnings
- In many geographic locations, the 911 emergency operator has the capabilities to directly connect the call to the national or local poison control center.
- Induced vomiting techniques should never be used on sleepy, incoherent or intoxicated individuals, since inducing may lead to death due to suffocation in an individual not able to regulate body functions in a normal manner. Suspected alcohol poisoning is a serious situation. The individual should be taken immediately to a hospital for emergency medical treatment, even if vomiting has been induced. Vomiting to purge food is a dangerous practice that damages the body, even when done infrequently. The instructions in this article should be used in conjunction with instructions from a trained medical professional.
Things You'll Need
- Evidence related to incident
- Plastic trash bag
- Teaspoon
- Ipecac syrup
- Noncarbonated fluids (water or juice)
- Wet towel
- Dry towel
