PoisoningDue to children’s inquisitive nature and inability to detect poisonous substances it is important to secure all dangerous chemicals and medications. Some key ideas to consider and relevant safety products are listed below:
- Children between one and three years old are most at risk of poisoning.
- Poisonous substances are found in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, sheds, garages and cupboards – these areas should be secured using appropriate locks and latches.
- Never refer to medicine as lollies.
- Always store medicines, cleaners and chemicals in their original container.
- Don’t consume your medicine in front of your child.
- Dispose of unwanted and out of date medicines at your local chemist.
- Check that plants in your garden are not poisonous.
- When administering medicines always check the dose to avoid overdosing. Write the dosage and the time the medicine was administered in a notepad and keep this store in your medicine cupboard. This will decrease the chance of overdosing but can also be extremely useful as a detailed schedule of the past 24 hours, if your child needs medical attention.
- Ensure that your visitors’ handbags are kept well out of reach. Children can be very inquisitive when adults are busy and you never know what medication, perfume etc your friend/relative may have in their bag, which may be potentially dangerous to your child.
- If your child does swallow any substances, contact the Poison information line 13 11 26.
- Along with recording emergency telephone numbers near your telephone it is a good idea to also write your name, telephone number and address/ cross street near the phone. You never know when someone may need to call an ambulance from your phone and not be aware of the exact address.
Source: Modified from The Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia - Kidsafe and The Mother and Baby "Safety Guide".
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