[header] How to administer activated charcoal [title] Contact emergency services. [step] Before you administer activated charcoal, you will want to contact emergency services or poison control. In some cases, administering activated charcoal can actually cause a person harm or complicate the medical emergency. 
Make sure you have the approval of a medical professional before you give anyone activated charcoal. [substeps] In the united states, call 911 for emergency personnel, or call 1-800-222-1222 for poison control.