If someone has swallowed a pesticide, kerosene, or too many tablets, call +91-8282 8989 18 or 108 immediately. Do not make them vomit, do not give milk or water blindly, and bring the container or medicine strip with you. Every minute — and every detail you can give the hospital — matters.
Household poisoning is more common than people realise — a child mistaking a bottle of kerosene for water, a mix-up with a pesticide container, an accidental medicine overdose. What you do in the first few minutes can matter more than what happens at the hospital.
What this guide covers
What to Do Immediately
✅ Do this
- Call +91-8282 8989 18 or 108 right away. Don't wait to see if symptoms appear.
- Keep the container, bottle, or medicine strip — this tells doctors exactly what was involved and helps them treat faster.
- Keep the person calm and sitting up if conscious.
- Wipe away any visible poison from the mouth or skin with a clean cloth if it's on the surface.
- If it's on the skin or in the eyes, rinse with plain water for several minutes.
Figure 1: Correct first response to accidental poisoning at home.
What You Must Never Do
🚫 Dangerous myths — avoid these
- Do not induce vomiting. With corrosive substances like kerosene, acids, or certain pesticides, bringing it back up can cause further internal damage or enter the lungs.
- Do not give milk, water, or any home remedy unless a doctor specifically tells you to — some substances react badly, and some poisons are fat-soluble, meaning milk can worsen absorption.
- Do not wait to "see if symptoms appear" before seeking help — some poisons take time to show effects while damage is already underway.
- Do not throw away the container — it's often the fastest way for doctors to identify the correct antidote or treatment.
Does the Type of Poison Change Anything?
Whether it's a pesticide, kerosene, or medicine overdose, the emergency-response principles are the same: don't induce vomiting, don't self-treat, call for help immediately, and bring the container. The specific antidote or treatment — if one exists — is something only a hospital can determine, and it depends heavily on knowing exactly what was ingested and how much.
"The single biggest factor that helps us treat a poisoning case quickly is knowing exactly what was swallowed. Bring the bottle, the strip, anything — it saves precious time."— Dr. Chaitanya Pilladi, Consultant Anaesthesiologist & Intensivist
When to Rush to Hospital
Any suspected poisoning — pesticide, kerosene, cleaning fluid, or medicine overdose — needs immediate emergency evaluation, even if the person seems fine. Some poisons have a delayed effect, and internal damage can be underway before any symptoms show. Sri Ganga Hospital's emergency team is available 24×7 for poisoning cases.
What Happens When You Arrive at Sri Ganga
- Identification of the substance — the container or label you bring helps the team confirm exactly what's involved and the correct treatment approach.
- Vital signs and monitoring — heart rate, breathing, and consciousness level are checked and tracked closely.
- Specific treatment or antidote — given where one exists for the substance involved; otherwise, supportive care manages symptoms while the body clears the poison.
- Observation period — even after initial treatment, monitoring continues since some poisons act with a delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if someone accidentally swallows pesticide or kerosene?
Do not induce vomiting. Call +91-8282 8989 18 or 108 immediately, keep the person calm and sitting up, and bring the container or packaging with you to the hospital so doctors know exactly what was ingested.
Should I make the person vomit after swallowing poison?
No. Inducing vomiting can cause further harm, especially with corrosive substances like kerosene or acids, which can damage the food pipe further on the way back up or enter the lungs. Never induce vomiting unless a doctor specifically instructs you to.
What if someone has taken too many tablets, accidentally or on purpose?
Treat it as a medical emergency regardless of the reason. Call for help immediately, keep the person calm, do not give them anything to eat or drink, and bring the medicine strip or bottle to the hospital.
Key takeaways
- Call +91-8282 8989 18 or 108 immediately — don't wait for symptoms
- Never induce vomiting
- Never give milk, water, or home remedies without medical instruction
- Always bring the container, bottle, or medicine strip to hospital
- Even if the person "seems fine," get them checked — some poisons act with delay
This guide is for general awareness and does not replace professional medical care. In any suspected poisoning, call for emergency help immediately.
- National Poisons Information Centre, AIIMS New Delhi. Poisoning Management Guidelines.
- World Health Organization. Guidelines for Poison Control.
- National Health Mission, MoHFW. Emergency Medical Services (108) Guidelines.
Suspected Poisoning? Every Minute Counts
Our emergency team is available 24×7 to manage poisoning cases with urgency and care. Call ahead and bring the container with you.
🚨 Call +91-8282 8989 18 📅 Book an AppointmentRelated reading: 24×7 Emergency Care in Rajahmundry — Complete Patient Guide