Sometimes people accidentally swallow gasoline while trying to suck it out of the gas tank.This is an unpleasant and potentially frightening experience, but with proper care, it might not need to be taken to the hospital.As little as one ounce of gasoline can cause intoxication in adults, and less than half an ounce can be fatal to children.Don't help someone who has swallowed gasoline if they are vomiting.Call Poison Control or emergency services if you have any doubts.
Step 1: Help the victim remain calm by being with them.
They should be reassured that people consume small amounts of gasoline all the time.The victim should take deep breaths and relax.
Step 2: The victim shouldn't be encouraged to vomit up gasoline.
Even a few drops of gasoline into the lungs can cause serious respiratory problems and cause little harm once it reaches the stomach.Vomiting increases the chance that a person will aspirate gasoline into their lungs.Help the victim to lean forward if they vomit.Immediately contact Poison Control and Emergency Services if they vomit and rinse their mouth with water.
Step 3: Give the victim a glass of water or juice after they rinse their mouth.
Encourage them to drink slowly.If the victim is unconscious or unable to drink on their own, do not try to give them fluids and call the emergency services.Milk can cause the body to absorb gasoline more quickly, so don't give the victim milk unless you are told to by the Poison Control center.Carbonated beverages may make burping worse.Don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
Step 4: Tell your local poison control center about the situation.
The number is 1-800-222-1222.If the victim is experiencing acute distress, including coughing, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, or anything more severe, call Emergency Services right away.
Step 5: Help the victim remove any gasoline from their skin.
The clothing that came in contact with gasoline should be removed by the victim.Set the clothing aside and wash the affected skin with soap and water.The skin should be washed thoroughly and dried.
Step 6: The victim should not smoke for at least 72 hours.
Smoking gasoline and gasoline vapors can cause a fire.Cigarette smoke can cause damage to the victim's lungs.
Step 7: Relax the victim that burping up gasoline fumes is normal.
It could go on for as little as 24 hours to as long as several days.It is possible to provide relief to the victim by drinking extra fluids.Take the victim to the doctor if they start to feel worse.
Step 8: Remove any gasoline-stained clothing.
Leaving gasoline-stained clothing outside to air dry for at least 24 hours will give the fumes a chance to evaporate before being laundered.The clothes should be washed in hot water.Adding ammonia or baking soda to the wash can help remove gasoline.If the gas smell is gone, air dry the clothing and repeat the washing process.If you put clothing that still smells like gasoline into a clothes dryer, it could cause a fire.!
Step 9: The person has gasoline.
Ensuring that the victim doesn't ingest any more gasoline is the first priority.Proceed to Step 3 if the victim is unconscious.
Step 10: A child who has swallowed a lot of gasoline is in danger.
If you suspect that your child has swallowed gasoline but don't know how much, call Emergency Services immediately.
Step 11: If you need emergency services, call them.
Explain the situation in as much detail as possible.Make it clear that you need help if the victim is a child.
Step 12: Keep a close eye on the victim.
If the victim is conscious, you should not encourage them to vomit.If the person seems able, offer them water to drink, and help them remove any gasoline-covered clothing and wash their skin.If a person vomits, turn their head to the side to prevent aspiration.
Step 13: If the victim stops breathing, coughing, or moving, and doesn't respond to your voice, begin cardiopulmonary intervention.
Roll the victim onto their back.Push down on the center of the victim's chest, or 1/3 to 1/2 the depth, for each compression.At a rate of 100 per minute, give 30 rapid compressions.Lift the victim's chin and tilt their head back.Blow into the victim's mouth until they see their chest rise.Give two breaths and then a series of chest compressions.The cycle of 30 chest compressions and two breaths should keep the victim alive.If you are on the phone with emergency services, the operator will show you how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.The Red Cross recommends that the compressions on a child's chest be 1 2 inches deep instead of 2 inches, with the exception of an infant or small child.