|
|
Poisoning advice |
First Aid for Poisoning
Advice from the Women's and Children's Hospital in South Australia
more. Women's and Children's Hospital
Contacts
poisions information centre 13 11 26
Ambulance on 000
Ballina District Hospital on 66862111
24 hours a day anywhere in Australia
call the poisons information service on 13 11 26
Swallowed Poison
Pick up the container and take to the telephone.
Call the poisions information centre on 13 11 26
Do not try to make the patient vomit.
Poison on the skin
Remove contaminated clothing, taking care to avoid contact with the chemical.
Flood the skin with cool running water.
Wash gently with soap and water and rinse well.
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26
Poison in the eye
Flood the eye with water from a cup, jug or slowly running tap. Continue for 10-15 minutes, holding the eyelids open.
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26
Inhaled poison
Get the person to fresh air quickly without placing yourself at risk.
Open doors and windows wide, if safe to do so.
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26
Why ring the Poisons Information Centre?
To obtain correct first aid advice.
To avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor or hospital.
To obtain up-to-date information (many books and antidote charts are out of date and incorrect).
When should you ring the Poisons Information Centre?
If you think someone in your care may have been poisoned. Do not wait for symtoms to occur. Always check if you are not sure
Poisons may include
- prescription medicines
- over the counter medicines
- cleaning and laundry products
- kerosene, petrol
- perfume and aftershave
- car products
- insecticides, weed killers
- paint
- plants
- and many more,always check
If a person is bitten or stung by a marine creature, animal, reptile, spider or insect.
If you have any questions or concerns about;
disposal of poisons
spills of poisons
prevention of poisoning
hazards associated with chemicals, plants, pesticides and other products.
Call 13 11 26
How to prevent poisoning
Store medicines and chemicals safely out of reach and out of sight of children, up high in a locked or child resistant cupboard.
Use medicines and chemicals safely. Read directions for use carefully. Do not leave them unattended whilst in use.
Store household products and medicines out of reach and out of sight of children (at least 1.5m high), in a locked or child resistant cupboard. Whilst in use never leave thm in reach or unattended. Separate medicines from household products.
Be sure that all products are properly labelled. Read the label carefully before use.
Clean out your medicine cupboard regularly . Take unwanted and out-of-date medicines to your nearest pharmacy for disposal.
Children tend to imitate adults, so avoid taking medicines in their presence.
Refer to medicines by their proper names. They are not lollies.
Visitors' bags may contain medicines. Keep them well out of reach of children.
Ask for and use household and medicines which are in child resistant packaging (blister or strip packs or special push and turn lids).
Always take medicines in a well lit room, wear your glasses. Follow the directions for use carefully and accurately.
Do not take other peoples medicines.
Use appropriate protection when painting, spraying or oven cleaning. Follow the directions for use. Protect skin and eyes. Ensure there is adequate ventilation, with air circulating continuously. Remove any contaminated clothing immediately.
Empty containers from liquid medications or household products should be rinsed with water before they are thrown out.
Be aware that the incidence of poisoning increases when usual household routines are disrupted (moving house, being on holiday, and having visitors).
Be aware that many poisonings occur when a product or medicine is not in its usual storage location, when it is in use and left on a bench top or bedside table, or during transport from shop to home.
Keep everything in original containers never in cups or soft drink bottles
|
|
|
|
