Family First Aid

Poisons

As your baby becomes more mobile, they will begin to explore their world, usually by putting things in their mouths. As they have little concept of danger, this puts them at risk of accidental poisoning. Young children also like to imitate adults, so may copy potentially dangerous behaviours such as taking medication.

Children under 5 years account for most accidental poisonings, with children aged 1-3 years at most risk. So making your home safe is critical to preventing accidents.

Poisonings can happen at any time, especially when a child is unsupervised or when the family routine is changed. Extra care is needed when you are on holidays, moving house, having visitors or during other family disruptions – such as when you are having renovations done and workmen bring equipment and chemicals onto the site.

It’s important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to keep your family safe. If in doubt, play it safe – treat any liquid or substance as a potential poison:

Helpful hints to prevent poisoning

• Use child restraint locks on cupboards, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and garage.
• Only fill the dishwasher with detergent immediately before use. Keep the dishwasher door locked at other times.
• Try to use cleaning products and other chemicals when children are not around if possible, such as while they are asleep.
• Always keep chemicals, like bleach or washing liquid, in the original containers. Never use food containers to store chemicals.
• Never leave chemicals unattended or in reach of children.
• Put medicines and chemicals away after use. Always keep the lid on containers.
• Store cleaning products and other chemicals, including alcohol and cigarettes, out of sight in a locked cabinet, preferably out of their reach.
• Store medicines in a locked cabinet. Medicines that need to be refrigerated should be kept in a childproof container.
• Never call medicines ‘lollies.’
• Have a safe place up high for visitor’s handbags and luggage.

If your child has swallowed a poison

Call the Poisons Information Centre immediately or seek urgent medical advice. Do not try to make them vomit.
Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26 (24 hours, Australia-wide).
Keep this number in your phone.

What to do in an emergency

Understanding what to do in an emergency, while waiting for medical help, could save your child’s life. As a parent, it’s recommended that you complete a first aid course with an accredited organisation such as St. John’s Ambulance or the Red Cross. You should also keep a well-equipped first aid kit at home.

In cases of emergency, it’s important to stay calm and act logically.
There are four basic steps: