Safe Kids Worldwide has done a study that shows that over 67,000 children were treated for medication poisoning in 2011. What can we do to make that number decrease? We need to educate the children about medication safety, as more over the counter and prescription medications are readily available, and children oftentimes have a natural curiosity and want to know what will happen if they sample these medications. There are some general guidelines that we should tell our children. Only take medications given to them by a trusted adult. Never share or take someone else’s medications. It is also important to always keep medications in their original bottle so that they are not confused for candy or something else. And also keep your medications locked up and out of reach.
It is also important to keep all household cleaners away from children. Lamps or candles containing lamp oil should also be kept out of reach. Never leave a child alone when you are using a cleaning product, take the child and the product with you if you are interrupted. Never use loose bait or pellet bait for rodent control problems. Never put paint thinner or other chemicals in soft drink bottles as a means to store them.
Parents can also accidentally overdose their children. To avoid an accidental overdose, there are some helpful rules to follow. Always read the label every time before you give the child the medication. Be educated about what is in the medications you are giving your child, for example, a cold medicine might also have a pain reliever in it, you don’t want to give any additional pain medications. Always use the dosage delivery device that comes with the medications. Know the difference between a Tablespoon and a Teaspoon. Know your child’s weight so that you can find the correct dosage. Use medications with child proof lids.
Keep the poison control phone number by your telephone so that it is handy in case of an emergency. Call them immediately once you realize there may be an accidental overdose or poisoning. They can be very helpful and look up the medications and can tell you if you need to go to the emergency room, or if there is something you can do at home. In some cases they can tell you that the overdose should not present any problems, or what to look for to determine if you need to seek medical attention.