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Emergency Action For Poisoning

According to the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) at the University of
Baltimore, each year thousands of children and adults in Maryland are
poisoned by common household products such as medicines, insect
sprays, cleaners, paints, perfumes and bleach.  The MPC maintains a
24-hour telephone service to help you if a poisoning occurs in your home.  
Many poisonings can be prevented.  Here are some ideas the MPC
provides to "poison-proof" your home and keep you and your children safe.

1.  Read and follow directions on the label before using drugs and
household products.

2.  Store all drugs, poisons, and harmful household products out of
the reach of children and in locked cabinets.

3.  Keep all household products and drugs in their original
containers.  Never put chemicals in empty food or drink containers.

4.  Always ask for medications in child-resistant containers
(safety-lock tops).

5.  Don't take medicine in front of children and never tell children
that medicine is candy.

6.  Remove poisonous plants from the house and yard.

7.  Use "Mr. Yuk" stickers on poisonous products.

8.  Keep syrup of ipecac in your home.  
Syrup of ipecac is very effective in causing vomiting in the event of poisoning.  However, never  use it before calling your family physician or the Maryland Poison Center at
1-800-222-1222.

There are some good rules to remember to help you in the event of
poisoning.  Getting familiar with these rules may some day save your life,
the life of a loved one, or friend.

POISON ON THE SKIN?  Remove contaminated clothing and flood the
skin with water for 10 minutes.  Then wash gently with soap and water and
rinse.

POISON IN THE EYE?  Flood the eye with lukewarm (not hot) water
poured from a large glass 2 or 3 inches from the eye.  Repeat for 15
minutes.  Have patient blink as much as possible while flooding the eye.  
Do not force the eyelid open.

INHALED POISON?  Immediately get the person to fresh air.  Avoid
breathing fumes.  Open doors and windows wide.  If victim is not breathing,
start artificial respiration.

SWALLOWED POISON?  If it's...

~ MEDICINE:  Do not give anything by mouth until calling for advice.

~ CHEMICAL OR HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS:  Unless the patient is
unconscious, having convulsions, or cannot swallow (in which case you
give milk or water immediately)... then call for professional advice about
whether you should make the patient vomit or not.

~ SYRUP OF IPECAC:  Always keep a one ounce bottle of syrup of Ipecac
on hand at home for each child or grandchild in your home.  Use it only on
advice of a poison control center, emergency department or physician.

After such emergency actions, call the
Maryland Poison Center at
1-800-222-1222 or
410-706-1858.