First aid: poisoning
Accidental poisoning, through children swallowing cleaning or bathroom products is common, so you need to know what to do, in case.
© DK
- If you suspect that your child has swallowed a poison call an ambulance immediately. Tell the ambulance control what you think she has taken and how much.
- Your child may have severe stomach pains and will probably vomit. Hold her head lower than her body so there is no risk of her inhaling and choking on any vomit.
Warning
- Never attempt to induce vomiting - you could cause more harm if what she's swallowed is corrosive. Corrosive substances include caustic soda, weed killer, paraffin, disinfectant, bleach and other ammonia-based household cleaners. Look for signs of burning around her mouth. If there are any, she's probably swallowed one of these substances. Give water or milk to drink to cool the burning.
- If your child's unconscious assess her condition. If she is breathing place her in the recovery position; if she's not breathing begin resuscitation. Use a plastic face shield for giving rescue breaths, or close her mouth and breathe into her nose.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
See more in the dossier: Emergency first aid
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