If you have
a poison emergency and your child has collapsed or is not breathing,
call 9-1-1 immediately. If your child is alert, call your local
hospital or poison control center.
Your emergency
action plan:
Remain calm
and think clearly.
Look for
and identify the poison, either by brand or type of product.
Call your
physician, poison control center or emergency medical services.
Have the
following information available for a doctor or emergency room:
type of poison or product taken, if known; amount taken, if known;
time since swallowed; symptoms; child’s age and weight;
any treatment given.
DO NOT give
syrup of ipecac or induce vomiting unless directed to do so by
a doctor or health professional.
Swallowed
or inhaled poisons Symptoms:
Sudden pain or illness, vomiting, headache, cough, very large or
very small pupils, chemical odor on breath. Treatment:
Call local poison control center immediately. Seek medical aid.
Save the poison container and a sample of the vomit, if any. During
vomiting, turn child’s head to the side.
Food poisoning Symptoms:
Severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, chills, decreased
appetite. Treatment:
Check temperature; check stool for blood or mucus. Give fluids (Pedialyte,
Gatorade). Consult doctor for vomiting or diarrhea that can’t
be controlled on liquid-only diet within 6 hours.
Lead poisoning Symptoms:
Exposure to excessive levels of lead can cause brain damage; affect
a child’s growth; damage kidneys; impair hearing; cause vomiting,
headaches and appetite loss; and cause learning and behavioral problems. Treatment:
If you suspect your child has been exposed to materials that contain
lead, your child should be tested. A simple blood test for children
between 6 months and 6 years of age is available. If your child
is less than 6 years old and has never been tested, ask your doctor
for the test at your next visit.
