First aid for poisonings

Children can get very sick if they come in contact with certain medicines, household products, pesticides, chemicals, or cosmetics. This can happen at any age and can cause serious reactions.

Boy sitting on a rock

Every poisoning is different. Treatment advice will depend on the type and amount of poison involved. The child’s age, weight, and medical history will affect treatment, too. In case of serious or life threatening symptoms, call 113 for help (medical emergency number).

In case of poisonings you should

  • Call the Norwegian Poisons Information Centre: 22 59 13 00. Do not wait for clinical signs to occur before you call. Keep the number posted in your home or on your mobile phone. The poison experts can help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have information about the contents of a large range of products. Enquiries can be conducted in English if necessary.
  • Keep the packaging or remains of the poisonous substance at hand, to ensure accurate information.
  • The specially trained staff will provide an assessment of your case and give you advice about suitable treatment.
  • In cases of unconsciousness or other life threatening symptoms: Call 113 for help (medical emergency).

Swallowed poison

  • Give something to drink if they are awake and able to swallow.
  • Do not try to make the person vomit.
  • Call the Norwegian Poisons Information Centre (22 59 13 00) right away!
  • Activated charcoal binds poisonous agents taken orally and can reduce the absorption. Always contact the Norwegian Poisons Information Centre for patient-specific advice before administering activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal is available from pharmacies without prescription. Kindergartens, schools and parents of small children are recommended to have activated charcoal available, in case of poisoning. It should not be used without consultation with a toxicologist.

Poison in the eyes

  • Rinse the eye with lukewarm, running water for 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove contact lenses.
  • Call the Norwegian Poisons Information Centre (22 59 13 00) right away!

Poison on the skin

  • Remove contaminated clothing.
  • Rinse the skin with lukewarm water. Call the Norwegian Poisons Information Centre (22 59 13 00) right away!
  • Do not use ointments or any other substances on affected skin area afterwards.

Inhaled poison

  • Get some fresh air right away.
  • If the person is breathing without difficulty, call the Norwegian Poisons Information Centre (22 59 13 00) for further instructions.
  • If the person is having difficulty breathing, call 113 for help (medical emergency number).

​Contact the Norwegian Poisons Information Centre if you suspect poisoning

22 59 13 00

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Content provided by The Norwegian Poisons Information Centre

The Norwegian Poisons Information Centre. First aid for poisonings. [Internet]. Oslo: The Norwegian Directorate of Health; updated Wednesday, December 8, 2021 [retrieved Sunday, October 13, 2024]. Available from: https://www.helsenorge.no/en/poison-information/poisoning-emergencies-children/

Last updated Wednesday, December 8, 2021