Poisons, Children and First Aid
What are the treatments for the injury?
Call the local poison control center to seek medical assistance. These centers
are operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Keep the number and address in an
easy-to-reach place. The number for the local poison control center can be
found at www.poison.org, the website of
the National Capital Poison Center or
www.AAPCC.org, the official website of the American Association of Poison
Control Centers.
If a child has swallowed poison:
check the child's airway, breathing, and circulation. It's usually referred
to as checking the ABCs. If necessary, do cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR).
try to find out how the child poisoned himself or herself. Pay attention to
burns or smells that may help to
identify the poison. If the poison is known, bring the container to the
hospital.
call the local poison control center or emergency department
do not induce vomiting unless told to do so. To induce vomiting take 1
tablespoon of syrup of ipecac followed by 2 glasses of water.
if the child vomits, protect the airway by turning the head to the side
reassure and observe the child until medical help arrives. If there is
poison on the clothing, remove the clothing. Clean the skin with water.
At the hospital, treatment for a poisoning can include:
gastric lavage. This is a procedure in which a large tube is inserted
through the mouth into the stomach. The stomach is washed with salt water.
activated charcoal given by mouth to bind toxins in the stomach and
intestines and prevent their absorption into the body
magnesium citrate to speed up the passage of material through the
intestines
Whole-bowel irrigation involves putting large volumes of polyethylene
glycol-electrolyte solution into the stomach by drinking or by a tube until the
fluid coming out the rectum is clear. It is only used for poisonings with iron
supplements, delayed-release medications or drugs like cocaine or heroin.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Vomiting can occur after taking activated charcoal. The vomit can be inhaled
into the lungs causing aspiration
pneumonia or infection. Use of magnesium citrate can result in fluid and
mineral imbalance, dehydration and
vomiting. Whole-bowel irrigation can cause vomiting, stomach cramps or
bloating.
What happens after treatment for the injury?
A child who has taken poison may need to be admitted to a hospital.
Most children recover fully from being poisoned. In some cases, there could be
serious injuries to the mouth, esophagus, or lungs. These children will require
long-term follow-up care from a healthcare professional. Prevention is the key
to avoid poisoning in the future.
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