What do you if ingest poison in the wilderness?

If you ingest poison in the wilderness, it's crucial to take immediate action. Here's a step-by-step guide on what you should do:

1. Stay Calm:

- Try to remain as calm as possible. Panic can make the situation worse.

2. Identify the Poison:

- If possible, try to identify the source of the poison, whether it's a plant, mushroom, or animal. This information can be helpful for medical professionals later on.

3. Call for Help:

- If you're in a remote area, try to contact emergency services or get help from nearby hikers or campers. Provide as much information as you can about the suspected poison.

4. Seek Medical Attention:

- Even if you think the poisoning is minor, it's always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Wilderness locations may have limited resources, so getting professional medical care is essential.

5. First Aid:

- While waiting for help to arrive, you can take some first aid measures:

- If Poison is on the Skin: Rinse the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes.

- If Poison is in the Eyes: Flush eyes with clean water for 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open.

- If Poison is Inhaled: Move to an area with fresh air.

6. Don't Induce Vomiting:

- Unless specifically instructed by a medical professional, avoid inducing vomiting. This can worsen the situation by causing further irritation or damage to the esophagus.

7. Monitor Symptoms:

- Keep an eye on your symptoms and provide detailed updates to medical personnel when they arrive.

8. Stay Safe:

- Don't wander off or attempt to find help on your own. If you're in a dangerous or remote area, stay put and wait for assistance.

9. Follow Medical Advice:

- Once under medical care, strictly follow the instructions and treatment provided by medical professionals.

10. Learn from the Experience:

- After recovering, take some time to reflect on the incident and learn from your experience. Understand what caused the poisoning and how you can avoid similar situations in the future.

Remember that seeking medical attention is the most important step if you ingest poison in the wilderness. Your health and safety should be the top priority, and quick action can make a significant difference in the outcome.