What should I do if a 13-year-old drank paraquat?

A 13-year-old child has ingested paraquat and requires immediate emergency treatment, including calling emergency services, avoiding induced vomiting or gastric lavage, promptly administering oral adsorbents, preserving the pesticide container, and informing doctors of critical information. Paraquat is highly toxic and has no specific antidote; delayed treatment can be life-threatening. Regardless of the amount ingested, immediate medical attention is essential—never rely on luck.

1. Call emergency services: Immediately dial 120 and clearly report the child’s age, time of paraquat ingestion, approximate dose, and current physical condition. Keep the phone line open and do not attempt to transport the child to hospital yourself, as this may interfere with timely professional care.

2. Do not induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage: Paraquat is strongly corrosive. Inducing vomiting or attempting self-administered gastric lavage can worsen damage to the digestive tract mucosa and may lead to aspiration and suffocation. Strictly follow instructions from emergency personnel—do not take blind actions.

3. Administer oral adsorbent promptly: Under guidance from emergency personnel, give the child an oral suspension of white clay or activated charcoal to adsorb unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce systemic absorption. Do not use alternative substances without professional advice.

4. Preserve the pesticide container: Locate the container used by the child, and keep its label intact. This helps doctors quickly identify the concentration and ingredients of the pesticide, enabling targeted treatment and preventing delays due to missing information.

5. Inform doctors of key details: Provide the treating physician with complete information about the time and amount ingested, the child’s prior health status, and any first-aid measures already taken. This assists in rapid development of an effective treatment plan and prevents omission of crucial data.

Subsequently, strictly follow medical advice for ongoing treatment and care. Ensure the child rests and avoids exertion. Maintain a light, easily digestible diet, avoiding spicy or coarse foods that may irritate the digestive tract. Closely monitor the child’s mental state and physical responses, and cooperate fully with all medical examinations.