What to Do If You Drink Hand Sanitizer
Accidents happen, and sometimes, they can be quite serious. One such incident is when someone inadvertently drinks hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers are designed to be applied topically and are not meant to be ingested. If you or someone around you has accidentally consumed hand sanitizer, it’s important to know what steps to take immediately to minimize potential harm.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most crucial step is to seek immediate medical attention. Call your local emergency services or visit the nearest hospital’s emergency department. Inform the healthcare professionals about the amount of hand sanitizer consumed and the time since ingestion. They will be able to provide appropriate medical guidance and treatment.
Stay Calm and Reassure
It’s essential to stay calm and reassure the person who has ingested the hand sanitizer. Anxiety can exacerbate the situation, so try to keep the person calm and provide reassurance that help is on the way.
Do Not Induce Vomiting
Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to induce vomiting in someone who has consumed hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers contain alcohol, and vomiting can cause the alcohol to spread throughout the body, potentially leading to alcohol poisoning. It’s best to let the body process the alcohol naturally.
Provide Hydration
Encourage the person to drink plenty of water or a non-alcoholic beverage to help dilute the hand sanitizer in their system. This can aid in the excretion of the alcohol from the body.
Monitor for Symptoms
Keep a close eye on the person for any symptoms that may arise. These can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. If any of these symptoms occur, inform the healthcare professionals immediately.
Follow Up with Healthcare Professionals
After seeking medical attention, follow up with the healthcare professionals as advised. They may provide further instructions or recommend additional tests to monitor the person’s recovery.
Prevent Future Accidents
To prevent similar accidents in the future, it’s important to store hand sanitizers out of reach of children and in a safe place. Consider using child-resistant containers or placing the sanitizer in a locked cabinet. Additionally, educate family members and children about the dangers of ingesting hand sanitizers.
In conclusion, if someone drinks hand sanitizer, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, stay calm, and follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. By taking these steps, you can minimize potential harm and ensure a safe recovery.
