Family First Aid

Poisons

As your baby becomes more mobile, they will begin to explore their world, usually by putting things in their mouths. As they have little concept of danger, this puts them at risk of accidental poisoning. Young children also like to imitate adults, so may copy potentially dangerous behaviours such as taking medication.

Poisonings can happen at any time, especially when a child is unsupervised or when the family routine is changed.

Children under 5 years account for most accidental poisonings, with children aged 1-3 years at most risk. So making your home safe is critical to preventing accidents.

Poisonings can happen at any time, especially when a child is unsupervised or when the family routine is changed. Extra care is needed when you are on holidays, moving house, having visitors or during other family disruptions – such as when you are having renovations done and workmen bring equipment and chemicals onto the site.

It’s important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to keep your family safe. If in doubt, play it safe – treat any liquid or substance as a potential poison.

Young father playing with his daughter inside with toys

Poisons come in many forms

  • Medicines.
  • Cleaning, laundry, gardening and car products.
  • Alcohol and cigarettes.
  • Insecticides.
  • Perfumes.
  • Paint.
  • Plants.
  • Insect bites – and many others.

Helpful hints to prevent poisoning

  • Use child restraint locks on cupboards, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and garage.
  • Only fill the dishwasher with detergent immediately before use. Keep the dishwasher door locked at other times.
  • Try to use cleaning products and other chemicals when children are not around if possible, such as while they are asleep.
  • Always keep chemicals, like bleach or washing liquid, in the original containers. Never use food containers to store chemicals.
  • Never leave chemicals unattended or in reach of children.
  • Put medicines and chemicals away after use. Always keep the lid on containers.
  • Store cleaning products and other chemicals, including alcohol and cigarettes, out of sight in a locked cabinet, preferably out of their reach.
  • Store medicines in a locked cabinet. Medicines that need to be refrigerated should be kept in a childproof container.
  • Never call medicines ‘lollies.’
  • Have a safe place up high for visitor’s handbags and luggage.

Store cleaning products and other chemicals, including alcohol and cigarettes, out of sight in a locked cabinet, preferably out of their reach.

If your child has swallowed a poison

Call the Poisons Information Centre immediately or seek urgent medical advice. Do not try to make them vomit.

Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26 (24 hours, Australia-wide).

Keep this number in your phone.

What to do in an emergency

Understanding what to do in an emergency, while waiting for medical help, could save your child’s life. As a parent, it’s recommended that you complete a first aid course with an accredited organisation such as St. John’s Ambulance or the Red Cross. You should also keep a well-equipped first aid kit at home.

In cases of emergency, it’s important to stay calm and act logically. There are four basic steps:

STEP 1: Assess the situation

Try to find out exactly what has happened. Is there an ongoing risk to your child? Are there any other injured people? Should you call an ambulance?

STEP 2: Don’t risk endangering yourself

You can’t help your child if you become injured yourself. If it’s unsafe for you to remove your child from a source of danger, call an ambulance and wait for help.

STEP 3: Serious injuries need to be treated quickly

Any injuries that threaten your child’s life, such as blood loss or the inability to breathe, must be dealt with immediately. Call an ambulance. Your first aid training will give you the best chance of dealing with these injuries while you wait for medical help.

STEP 4: Get help

Shout for help and direct people to do whatever is necessary – call an ambulance, help with first aid, move your child or clear the area.

First aid kits

In Australia, you can buy first aid kits from St John’s Ambulance or the Australian Red Cross. A basic first aid kit should contain:

Young father playing with his daughter inside with toys

Dressings

  • Crepe bandages in various sizes.
  • Gauze squares for cleaning wounds.
  • Non-stick squares for dressing wounds.
  • Adhesive tape.
  • Cottonwool swabs.
  • Sticking plaster.
  • Clean, non-fluffy cloth or clear plastic film to cover burns until seen by a doctor.

Creams, lotions, medications

  • Antiseptic lotions.
  • Calamine lotion.
  • Saline eye wash.
  • Spray for treating stings.
  • Paracetamol tablets and liquid with childproof lids.

First aid equipment

  • Safety pins.
  • Scissors.
  • Tweezers.
  • Disposable gloves.

Emergency numbers

It’s a good idea to keep the following numbers in your phone.

(For a full list of helplines see ‘Where to go for help’, back page.)

  • Police, ambulance, fire brigade: 000 (or 112 if you are out of mobile range).
  • Poisons information line: 13 11 26 (24 hours a day, Australia-wide).
  • Health Direct Australia: 1800 022 222 (free call, Australia-wide).
  • Pregnancy, birth and baby helpline: 1800 882 436.
  • Your family doctor.
  • Neighbours.
  • Relatives.

Chapter 4 Your Child's Health

Related articles

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 4 Your Child's Health

Constipation in Children

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 4 Your Child's Health

Soothing Kid’s Headaches

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 4 Your Child's Health

Earache in Children

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 4 Your Child's Health

Conjunctivitis in Children