What to do if a Poisoning occurs
Poison Prevention in the Home
Adult Poison Prevention
Prevent Plant Poisoning
Trash and Recycling

What to do if a Poisoning occurs
Act quickly and follow this procedure
1. If the person is not breathing or is unconscious
call 911 immediately.
2. Otherwise, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
3. Remain calm.
4. The Poison Center specialist will ask:
* your phone number in case they need to call you back
* the age and weight of the patient
* the name of the product involved
* the amount or closest approximation of the amount involved
* the time of exposure
* the patient’s symptoms
* the general health of the patient
5. Carefully follow the instructions given by the Poison Center.
6. Most exposures can be handled over the phone.
If an ambulance or transport to the hospital is required
you will be told that by the Poison Center.

Syrup of Ipecac
For some poisonings, the Center or your health care provider will tell you to make the poisoned person vomit. Syrup of Ipecac is the only safe way to cause vomiting in poisoning emergencies.
Always contact the Center before using Syrup of Ipecac and, as with all potentially harmful substances, be sure to store Syrup of Ipecac out of the reach of children.

Parents, grandparents, and other care providers should keep a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac on hand for each child under 6 in the home.

Poison Prevention in the Home
We all like to think of our homes as being safe places, but the fact is that there are many poisonous substances lurking in your home that can be very dangerous for children and adults too. Heeding these prevention tips is the best way to make sure your home remains “Home Safe Home.”
* Never leave a child unattended, even for a second. |
Children are naturally curious and very quick.
* Store all medications, household products and
chemical products in a locked cabinet out of the reach and
sight of children.
* Store food and household products in separate areas.
Many dangerous household products come in containers
that look like food and drink containers and can cause
mistaken usage.
* Keep all household and chemical products in their original
containers. Never store these products in a food container.
* Always store medications in their original containers with
child-proof caps out of the sight and reach of children.
* Never call medicine “candy”. Medicines and candies look alike
to a child and they cannot tell the difference.
* Do not take medications in front of children.
Children like to imitate adults.
* Vitamins are medicines. Keep them locked up and out of reach.
Vitamins with iron can be very dangerous to a child if taken
* Store purses, diaper bags and tote bags of visitors out
of children’s reach as they may contain medications or
dangerous products.
* Know the names of plants in your yard and home.
A nursery or cooperative extension can give you the
* Keep any poisonous plants away from children and pets.
* Teach children to always “ask first” before putting anything
in their mouths.
* Keep a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac in your home but
DO NOT USE IT unless instructed by your health care
provider or the Poison Center.
* Keep the phone number of the Poison Center near your phone.

Adult Poison Prevention
* Never mix cleaning products together
(i.e., bleach and ammonia).
* Never store cleaning products in food containers.
* Keep cleaning products and food products stored separately.
* Take medications with the lights on.
* Wear your glasses when taking medications.
* Do not take someone else’s medications.
* Store external medications separate from internal meds.
* Always check prescriptions to make sure the right pill was
dispensed. If you are unsure, ASK.
* Watch for duplicate drugs with different names:
Example: Ibuprofen vs. Motrin vs. Advil.
* Watch for drug interactions–prescription/over-the-
counter/herbals (alternatives).
* Carry a list at all times of medications you currently take,
why you take it and the dose you take.
* Make sure that anyone with a cognitive impairment
(like Alzheimer’s disease) has a caregiver to help with
their medications.
* Use a memory device to avoid taking duplicate doses
* Know what chemicals you use at work and follow safety

Memory Tricks for Medications
* Check off box for medications
* Medicine Box
* Medicine Journal
Post the Poison Control Center telephone number near your telephone: 1-800-222-1222.