If you are unable to reach a poison control center or a local hospital emergency department for advice, transport the victim to the nearest emergency service. Determine the nature of the ingested substance. If there are no visible bottles or other clues, examine the mouth for signs of burns, which would indicate an acid or alkali. Smell the breath for a petroleum-like odor. Diluting the poison by administering water or milk is advised for most substances.
Water is recommended for acid and alkali ingestion if the person can swallow.
If the substance that has been swallowed is a medication, poisonous plant, pesticide, or other product with significant systemic toxicity and has been ingested within the previous hour, induce vomiting. If the first dose does not induce vomiting, this may be repeated in 20 minutes. Vomiting can also be induced by inserting a spoon or finger at the back of the throat to produce a gag reflex. Collect a specimen of the vomitus for analysis by medical personnel. Vomiting a petroleum product carries the danger of inhaling it into the lungs, causing chemical pneumonia.