Next Steps

Outlook

The key to a good outcome is rapid recognition that a poisoning has occurred and rapid transport to a qualified medical facility when indicated.

• When medical care (and use of the U.S. National Poison Control Center-1-800-222-1222) is provided promptly, the vast majority of people survive poisonings.

• Poor outcomes can occur when these are the cause of the poisoning:
  
  
  • Highly toxic substances such as cyanide
    
    
  • Substances that injure body tissues immediately (lye or acids, for example)
    
    
  • Poisoning as a result of exposure over time, often unrecognized (examples include polluted water, workplace exposures, and lead)