Dear Gen,

What should I know about poison control and how to quickly respond to issues?

-Hannah, one of Callie and Braeden’s babysitters

Great question, Hannah! Poison control is an issue babysitters and parents should be informed about. In 2005 kids younger than three years were involved in 38.1% of poison control cases, and 50.9% occurred in kids younger than six years. Kids 12 years and under accounted for over 1.2 million cases.

The Most Common Poisons Among Children

  • Cosmetics and personal care products
  • Cleaning substances
  • Pain medicine/fever reducers
  • Coins or thermometers
  • Plants
  • Diaper care, acne cream, antiseptics
  • Cough and cold medicine
  • Pesticides
  • Vitamins
  • Gastrointestinal medicine
  • Antimicrobials
  • Arts, crafts and office supplies
  • Antihistamines
  • Hormones and hormone antagonists (diabetes medications)
  • Hydrocarbons (lamp oil, kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid)

Poison Prevention Tips from the American Association of Poison Control Centers:

  • Store medicines and keep household products locked up, where children cannot see or reach them.
  • Store poisons, products, and medicines in their original container.
  • Use child-resistant packaging and childproof your home.
  • Read the label. Follow the directions on medicine and products.
  • Are children around? Take the product or medicine with you to answer the door or phone.
  • Lock products and medicines after using them.
  • Is it medicine? Call it medicine in from of the child, not candy.
  • Children learn by imitation. Take your medicine where children can’t watch.
  • Poisons can look like food or drink. Teach children to ask an adult before eating or drinking ANYTHING.

First Aid Tips

Has the person collapsed or stopped breathing?
Call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Did someone swallow the wrong medicine or too much medicine?
Get to fresh air right away and call 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

Poison in the eyes?
Rinse eyes with running water for 15-20 minutes and call 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

Poison on the skin?
Remove any clothing that poison has touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15-20 minutes. Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

It is important for babysitters to know what to do if a poison control situation arises. For more information visit: http://www.1-800-222-1222.info/