Poisoning First Aid: Swallowed, Inhaled and Skin Exposures

Most poisonings in children happen at home, from medicines and cleaning products; at work, chemicals and fumes are the usual culprits. The first aid course teaches the general approach, which is the same whatever the substance.

Swallowed

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or salt water unless advised by a medical professional. If the mouth is burned by a corrosive, gently rinse the mouth. Keep them sitting up or on their side.

Button batteries and magnets

A swallowed button battery can burn through the food pipe within hours. Go to an emergency department immediately, even if the child seems fine.

Inhaled fumes

Do not enter a space full of fumes unless trained and equipped. Get the person into fresh air if safe to do so. Carbon monoxide from generators or barbecues used indoors causes headache, dizziness and drowsiness in several people at once.

On the skin or in the eye

Remove contaminated clothing wearing gloves, and rinse with plenty of running water — see chemical burns and eye injuries.

Prevention at home

Keep medicines and cleaning products in their original containers and locked away, and never decant chemicals into drinks bottles. See first aid for parents.

If they become unresponsive

Place them on their side if breathing; if not breathing normally, start CPR.

This guide summarises first aid for the public and does not replace training or medical advice. In an emergency in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance.

More First Aid guides: Emergency-by-emergency first aid

• First Aid Course in Abu Dhabi — dates, format and booking
• Severe Bleeding First Aid: Pressure, Tourniquets and Packing
• Burns First Aid: Cool, Cover, and When a Burn Needs Hospital
• Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion: First Aid for UAE Summers
• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Recognising a Severe Allergic Reaction
• Asthma Attack First Aid: Helping With a Reliever Inhaler
• Heart Attack First Aid: Warning Signs and What to Do
• Stroke First Aid: The FAST Test and Why Time Matters
• Seizure First Aid: Keep Them Safe, Time It, and When to Call 998
• Low Blood Sugar First Aid: Helping in a Diabetic Emergency
• Fainting First Aid: What to Do Before and After Someone Faints
• Fractures and Sprains First Aid: Support, Cold and When to Call
• Head Injury and Concussion First Aid: Danger Signs to Watch For
• Bites and Stings First Aid: Scorpions, Snakes, Bees and Jellyfish
• Drowning First Aid: Safe Rescue, Breathing and Pool Safety
• Eye Injury First Aid: Chemicals, Dust and Objects in the Eye
• Electric Shock First Aid: Make It Safe Before You Touch
• First Aid Kit Checklist for Home, Car and Workplace
• All First Aid guides, by topic

Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

Should you make someone vomit after poisoning?

No.

What should I do if a child swallows a button battery?

Go to an emergency department immediately.

What information will the medical team need?

What was taken, how much, when, and the container or label.

What if someone inhales fumes?

Move them to fresh air only if it is safe for you, and call 998.

How do I treat a chemical on the skin?

Remove contaminated clothing and rinse with plenty of running water.

Sources and further reading

What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.

• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED — American Heart Association
• Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre — Abu Dhabi

Last reviewed 21 September 2026 by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.