POISONING PROTOCOL

Version May 20, 2022

🛑 Safety — Never put yourself in danger

Ensure there is no contamination risk before intervening
CO: odourless, undetectable, highly toxic
Contaminated needles: increased contamination risk
If at risk: contact authorities and assist verbally only
Never put the responder's life in danger

🚫 Never induce vomitingNever induce vomiting in a victim who has ingested household or chemical products.

🫁 Cardiac arrest + chemical productIn case of cardiac arrest following chemical poisoning, do not use mouth-to-mouth ventilation. Perform compressions only.

☠ Cyanide — Additional training requiredCyanide poisoning is extremely dangerous and requires specialized training. The general first responder must not intervene without this training.

📞 Poison control centreIf in doubt: 1-800-463-5060
Always gather information on the type, quantity, and time of ingestion.

🍄 Wild foodsProvide a sample to the hospital for analysis if possible.

🧪 Safety Data SheetAlways refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the product involved or call the Poison control centre.

🔌 Device involvedCut the power to the device concerned if possible (e.g., water heater, generator for CO).

📊 Even without symptomsEven if the victim appears out of danger after chemical poisoning, always direct them to specialized medical care.

PROTOCOL — POISONING · IDENTIFY THE TYPE

💨 Carbon
monoxide

🧪 Household
or chemical products

🍽 Food-related

💉 Drugs
or alcohol

⚠ Primary safety

Cut the power
to the device if possible

Leave the premises with the victim
if the scene is safe

🌬 Move to
a ventilated area

💨 High-concentration O₂
(100% mask if available)

Place in position
of comfort (recovery position if unconscious)

🚫 Never induce vomiting

Place in position
of comfort
(prevent trauma / falls)

💨 High-concentration O₂
(100% mask if available)

⚠ Cardiac arrest → Compressions only
(no mouth-to-mouth)

Gather information on:
type of food · quantity · time of ingestion

🍄 If wild food:
keep a sample
for hospital analysis

Try to preserve
the vomit
(for hospital analysis)

Place in recovery position
if drowsy or unconscious

Gather information:
route of administration · time · quantity · substance(s)

Is this an opioid
poisoning (e.g., fentanyl)?

YES

💊 Naloxone
protocol

Place in recovery position

Preserve the vomit
(for hospital analysis)

Place in position of comfort
(prevent trauma / falls)

Common actions

🌡 Cover the victim
(warm / foil blanket)

📊 Reassess frequently
vital signs (ABC)

📞 Hospital via 911
or Poison control centre: 1-800-463-5060