Poisons, Children and First Aid
What can be done to prevent the injury?
To prevent poisoning:
carefully watch young children at all times
keep all poisons out of children's reach
keep all medications in bottles with childproof caps, secured and out of
children's reach
remove plants that can be poisonous to children
teach children about what the poison symbol means on containers
be aware of poisons around the house, including pesticides
do not store toxic or noxious substances in food containers
be aware that many substances meant to be eaten can be toxic if taken in
large amounts
never tell children that medication is candy
store gasoline, lamp oil or solvents in a garage or other outbuilding and
in a locked cabinet
Adolescents who are depressed may overdose with medicine to attempt suicide. Some medicines that may be
readily available to them include acetaminophen and tricyclic antidepressants.
In large amounts these can cause death. Parents living with an adolescent who
is depressed or at risk for
suicide should take special efforts to make sure that all medicines in the home
are securely stored in a locked cabinet.
|