Poison Safety Tips
The following poison safety tips are essential for everyone to know especially if you have young children at home.
There are various types of poison substances found in most households and they should always be kept in a secure place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Here is a list of some of the household poisons that might be found in your home:
- Detergents
- Bleach
- Bathroom Cleaners
- Prescription Medications
- Drano
- Oven Cleaners
- Pine Cleaners
- Lead in Paint and Toys
- Anti-Freeze
- Petroleum Products
- Insecticides
- Herbicides
What to do when someone swallows medications or a poisonous substance:
- Check the persons mouth by looking for any tablets, powders or any material and remove them immediately.
- The mouth should be examined for any cuts, swelling, burns, odor or unusual coloring.
- The mouth should be rinsed and wiped out thoroughly with a cloth.
- Call 9-1-1 or 1-800-222-1222 to get advice from your local Poison Control Center.
- Immediately begin CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation) if the victim is not breathing and continue until the victim starts breathing or until help arrives.
- Do not do anything to induce vomiting or administer ipecac syrup until you check with the Poison Control Center first.
When you call the Poison Control Center:
- You should identify yourself and then give your relationship to the victim. Your phone number should be given in case you get disconnected.
- The victim should be described by name, age and weight.
- If you can, have the container of the poisonous substance available in order to identify it as accurately as possible.
1. Tell the poison center what was taken
2. When was it taken
3. How much was taken
4. How is the patient acting
- Be prepared to answer several questions. When talking to the specialist provide all the information that he/she needs and all pertinent facts so he/she can design a treatment plan.
- The poison safety advice given by the Poison Centers is very important and should always be followed.
What to do with poisons affecting the eyes:
- If you suspect a poisonous substance in the eye, hold the eyelid open and carefully flush the eye with room temperature water or a normal saline solution for a full fifteen minutes.
- In the case of a child, wrap a towel around the child to secure their arms and hands. Keeping the child securely wrapped will help to safely control the child and to keep their hands from touching or rubbing their eyes. Placing the child on a flat surface or a chair will help to safely control the child.
- It is not recommended to hold an infant or child under a faucet or shower, or submerging in a tub of water.
- Water under pressure should not be used.
- A victim should not be allowed to rub their eyes.
- Medicated drops such as Visine should not be used.
- Call 1-800-222-1222 to get advice from your local Poison Control Center.
What to do if a person is exposed to poisonous gases or fumes:
- Carry or drag the person immediately to a fresh air location.
- Exposure to gases and fumes should be minimized.
- As quickly as possible, call 9-1-1 or call your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
- Immediately begin CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation) if the victim is not breathing and continue until the victim starts breathing or until help arrives.
What to do with poisons on the skin:
- Dry poisons should be brushed off immediately and then flushed thoroughly with large amounts of water.
- The affected skin should be washed with soap and water and then rinsed thoroughly.
- All affected clothing should be removed and discarded.
- Call 1-800-222-1222 to get advice from your local Poison Control Center.
Additional Poison Safety Tips to Remember:
- Stay Calm.
- Never wait until you see symptoms, call for help right away.
- If the victim is having convulsions, difficulty breathing or is unconscious, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Post the Poison Control Center number by all telephones, 1-800-222-1222.
- Act quickly if you suspect a poisoning, this is the most important factor in poison safety.
- Product labels for poison treatment may be incorrect or out of date, so it is best to consult with the Poison Control Center for the most up-to-date information.
- Most home remedies are ineffective and you should contact a poison specialist for advice.
- Purchase Activated Charcoal from your local pharmacy in powder or liquid forms, no tablets. Only use it when the Poison Control Center says it is okay.
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