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AT A GLANCE
What is a poison?
Children at risk.
Our survey.
Forget that grandparents and older you suspect that they may have does not necessarily mean you have
people are more likely than been poisoned. Some poisons have been poisoned.
younger adults to be taking immediate effect, others can take Some poisons do not have
medication, so when visiting them, hours or even days to affect the immediate symptoms and it may be
make sure that medicines are out person, therefore it is always best to hours, days or even months before
of reach of any children. see a GP. If this is not possible, they show.
Have out of date medicines in your bring the person to a hospitals
home. Bring them to your accident and emergency department. When taking someone with
pharmacist for safe disposal. Always take the product container suspected poisoning to the
Refer to medicines or tablets as sweets. or label with you to the GP / hospital or GP, it is important
Take medicines in front of children hospital. If a person ingests a to know the following details:-
as they often imitate the actions substance stored in, for instance, a What was taken?
of adults. container with no label, bring the How much was taken?
Mix chemicals unless you are sure container to the GP. This can help The persons age and weight.
they wont react. For example, never to identify the substance and speed Does the person have any
mix acid cleaners with bleach, as up the treatment. symptoms?
the reaction produces chlorine gas. If a chemical is splashed in the How long ago did the
eyes, they should be immediately poisoning occur?
What to do in an emergency washed with tap water and then Was there manufacturer
Ifa child is found with a poison:- medical assistance sought. information on the label /
Stay calm but act quickly. container. Some labels include
Take the poison away from the child. Symptoms that can occur telephone numbers for the
Make the child spit it out, run your after poisoning manufacturers information desk,
fingers around the mouth and Symptoms can vary depending on the which can be helpful in the case of
inside the mouth, removing any poison, the amount taken and the a suspected poisoning.
remaining material. strength of the product, but can Was there a hazard symbol or
DO NOT make the child vomit. include some of the following: poison label on the product?
This is extremely important as it Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,
may increase the risk of aspiration drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, HAZARD SYMBOLS SURVEY
(poison going into lungs) and if it headache, difficulty swallowing or
Symbol Incorrect Explanation from members of public
is a corrosive poison, it can burn producing more saliva than normal,
Corrosive Its raining. Is it a pair of scissors?
the throat and mouth for a second skin rash, burns around nose or
time on the way up. mouth, seizures, coma. Its important Environmental Fishing not allowed. Power lines down.
hazard Beware power lines down.
Do not give them anything to eat to remember that almost every one of
Poisonous Its a CD cover.
or drink until instructed to do so these symptoms can be caused by
Flammable Do not burn.
by qualified medical personnel. other, unrelated medical complaints.
Explosive Falling rocks. Beware of laser.
Take the child to a GP or hospital if Therefore, having these symptoms
Report by
Mike Doran
cc