March 19-25: National Poison Prevention Week – Steps to take when poisoning is suspected

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has this important information for you.

If you suspect a child or adult has ingested poison, remain calm first.

• Call 911 if the victim has collapsed. If the victim is not breathing, call 911, then give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
• If the victim is awake and alert, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. It is open 24/7.
• Be prepared to give the victim’s age and approximate weight.
• Describe the substance. Read from the container if available.
• Never make the victim vomit unless instructed to do so by Poison Control.
• Give your address and phone number. Stay on the phone for instructions from the emergency operator. The specialist may need to call you back.

Poison Prevention

• Medicines: Turn on a light when you give or take medicines. Read medication directions. Keep medicines in their original bottles. Store them in a safe place where they can’t be reached by children or teenagers.
• Household cleaners and chemicals: Keep chemicals, cleaners, and beauty products in their original containers. Always read the label before using it.
• Never mix cleaning products together. Doing so could produce toxic gases. Wear clothing that covers the skin when you spray pesticides or other chemicals.
• Open the windows and use a fan when using chemicals in the house.

Protecting young children

• Keep drugs and chemicals in childproof cabinets that children can’t reach.
• Don’t take medicine in front of children since they often try to copy adults. When giving children medication, never call it “candy.”
• Caution guests are not to leave drugs where children can find them. Don’t leave your own next dose on the counter.