Poisoning
Every year in the UK, many children are treated in hospital after eating or drinking poison in the home. A quick look around the kitchen alone will tell you how dangerous a place it can be for a baby or toddler whose first instinct is to put anything they come across into their mouth.
Cleaning fluid, bleach, garden chemicals. The list is endless. Of course, there are childproof caps. But they can be inadvertently left loose, so always check them before you put bottles away under the sink.
Poisoning can come in many different forms, and if you suspect your child has swallowed something they shouldn’t have, you need to know exactly what before you can help them.
Symptoms include vomiting which can be bloodstained, impaired consciousness, pain or burning sensation. Empty containers in the vicinity can give clues so check the kitchen and bathroom cabinet. Are there any pill bottles missing or discarded blister packs?
What to do
- Remove any clothes that have been contaminated. The fumes from many chemicals can be just as harmful as the chemicals themselves.
- Ask your child what they have swallowed.
- Try to reassure them.
- Gather as much information as you can. The emergency services will need as much detail as possible to give treatment advice.
- Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance.
- http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice/poisoning/swallowed-poisons.aspx
Source:
Top Tip
Never store dangerous chemicals in anything but their original container. To a child, a colourless liquid in a lemonade bottle is presumed to be lemonade.
PLEASE NOTE:
The information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from your pharmacist, doctor or NHS Direct. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure of the treatment required or dial 999 in an emergency.
