Protecting Children From Poison Emergencies. By Robert Preidt. nlm.nih.gov. April 12, 2014. Safety, treatment advice for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics. More than 1.2 million American children under the age of 6 swallow or come into contact with poisonous substances each year. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers advice on preventing and treating poisonings. Medicines, pesticides, cleaning products, furniture polish, antifreeze, windshield-wiper fluid, gasoline, kerosene and lamp oil are among the most dangerous potential poisons in or near the home.

Most child poisonings occur when parents or caregivers are at home but not paying attention to youngsters, the AAP said in a news release. It’s important to be especially watchful when there is a change in household routine, such as holidays, visits to and from relatives, and other special events.Store medicines, pesticides, cleaning and laundry products, and paints and varnishes in their original packaging in locked cabinets or containers that are out of sight and reach of children.Check the label every time you give a child medicine to ensure the correct dosage, the AAP said. When giving children liquid medicines, use the dosing device that came with the product. Never call medicine "candy" or other appealing names and be sure to throw out unused medicines. Never put poisonous items in food or drink containers.If your child has swallowed or come in contact with poison and is unconscious, not breathing or having convulsions, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, the AAP said. If your child has swallowed poison, have the child spit out any remaining substance, but do not make the child vomit and do not use syrup of ipecac.If a child’s skin has come into contact with poison, remove the child’s clothes and rinse the skin with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, the AAP said.If poison has gotten into a child’s eyes, flush their eyes by holding the eyelid open and pouring a steady stream of room-temperature water into the inner corner of the eye for 15 minutes, the AAP said.If a child has been exposed to poisonous fumes, take the child outside or into fresh air immediately. If the child is not breathing, start CPR and do not stop until the child breathes on his or her own, or until another person can take over CPR.SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatrics, news release________________________________________________________________________________________Read also related: Poison Control Center. 24-hour Poison Control Center hotlineSee in: http://www.kumed.com/medical-services/poison-controlToll free 1-800-222-1222Call 24/7The Poison Control Center’s hotline is 1-800-222-1222. You can call from anywhere in the state of Kansas and throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. We’re available 24/7.A poison is anything that can cause sickness or death if it gets into or on the body. If you have a question about any type of poison, call The University of Kansas Hospital Poison Control Center. You’ll talk to a critical care nurse, pharmacist or medical doctor who is nationally certified in poison management.What to do in a poisoning emergencyIf you think someone has been poisoned, immediately call The University of Kansas Hospital Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. DO NOT WAIT for the person to look or feel sick! The Poison Control Center will advise you on correct treatment and help you determine whether you need to go to a hospital or a doctor’s office.Have the following information ready:Your name, phone number and ZIP codeThe name, age and weight of the person exposed to poisonWhen the poison incident happenedAmount and type of exposureHow the exposure occurredName of the product and ingredientsSymptoms the exposed person is experiencingName of a hospital near youTravel time to the nearest hospital- See more at: http://www.kumed.com/medical-services/poison-control#sthash.0KOJuYTd.dpuf