Take a Class Resources Learn First Aid Vomiting
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  • Vomiting

    What is Vomiting?

    Vomiting is frequently a sign of infection, especially in children and infants and is most commonly viral. Other causes can include eating contaminated foods or diseases affecting the gastrointestinal system. Vomiting may lead to dehydration (too little fluid in the body) and even shock, especially in younger children, infants and the elderly. Infants and young children are at especially high risk for dehydration because they tend to lose more fluid, and at a faster rate, than adults do.

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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

    2

    Check for signs and symptoms.

    • Unable to keep foods or fluids down*
    • Vomiting for more than a few days*
    • Signs of dehydration*
    • Black or bloody vomit*
    • Sharp, persistent abdominal pain*
    • Recent head injury*
    • Diarrhea
    • Pain or cramps in abdomen

    *Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

    3

    Call 9-1-1 and get equipment if the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

    4

    Give Care.

    General Care: Vomiting (Adult)

    1. Give water, popsicles, oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks.
    2. As symptoms improve, have the person eat a soft, bland diet.
    3. Continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
    4. Keep them from getting cold or overheated.
    5. Give care for shock, if necessary.
    6. Position the person as appropriate.
    7. Reassure them you will help and that EMS has been called (if appropriate).
    8. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.
      1. Encourage the person to follow up with their healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve.

    General Care: Vomiting (Children & Infants)

    1. Give water, popsicles or commercially available oral rehydration solution designed specifically for children and infants.
      1. Offer small, frequent amounts of fluids.
      2. Gradually increase fluid amount as tolerated.
    2. After 12 to 24 hours with no vomiting, gradually reintroduce their normal diet.
      1. The initial goal is more frequent but smaller feedings.
    3. Continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
    4. Keep them from getting cold or overheated.
    5. Give care for shock, if necessary.
    6. Position the person as appropriate.
    7. Reassure them you will help and that EMS has been called (if appropriate).
    8. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.

    Vomiting FAQs

    Why are children and infants at high risk for dehydration from vomiting?

    Children and infants are high risk because they tend to lose more fluid, at a faster rate, then adults do, and they often do not have the ability to obtain fluid themselves.

    How can I tell if a person is dehydrated?

    Signs & symptoms of dehydration include:

    • Thirst
    • Dry mouth
    • Dark color urine
    • Decrease in urination/no urination for more than 6 hours or no wet diapers in 3 or more hours (infant)
    • Unusually sleepy or irritable
    • Tenting of the skin if pinched and released
    • Sunken appearance to the abdomen, eyes or cheeks
    • Sunken appearance of the soft spot on the top of a very young infant’s head

    When should I call a healthcare provider about my child’s vomiting?

    Call the healthcare provider if the child or infant:

    • Has vomiting that persists for more than a few days.
    • Is not able to keep fluids down.
    • Has not urinated for more than 6 hours (child) or has not had a wet diaper in 3 or more hours (infant).
    • Has bloody or black vomit.
    • Is unusually sleepy or irritable.
    • Cries without tears or has a dry mouth.
    • Has a sunken appearance to the abdomen, eyes or cheeks (or, in a very young infant, the soft spot at the top of the infant’s head).
    • Has skin that remains tented if pinched and released.

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    Information Provided the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

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