Accidental poisoning is a huge problem. Every year thousands of children accidentally overdose on both prescription and over the counter medications and end up in the emergency room. Every summer families go on vacation and can forget about these dangers. Families let their guard down when they are out of their normal routines and unfortunately this is when things can go awry. It is important not to let your guard down while on vacation, as an accidental poisoning or overdose can happen at any time.
When traveling with medication it is important to leave all medications in their original packaging. Even if you may only need a few doses of the medication while you are gone, do not put the medications in a baggie or a pill organizer. Plastic baggies and pill organizers have no safety locks or features and children can easily get into them and take a medication that is not safe. Another reason to keep the medications in their original packaging is you may not remember which medication is which and could possibly give yourself the wrong dose!
Whether staying in a hotel, or at a friend’s house, always keep medications out of reach of children. For example in a hotel put the medication on a high shelf or in a passcode protected safe. If you are staying at a friend’s house ask them for a safe place to keep medications so that they are out of reach of the children. Do not leave medicines, over the counter or prescription, or vitamins out on a counter or bedside table, always put them immediately up and lock the caps right after you use them.
If all of these precautions fail, call poison control immediately. It is a great idea to program the National Poison Control number into your phone so that you have it handy in an emergency. That number is 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control centers are very helpful if you need to call after a child has taken medication that is not theirs or a too large dose of their medication. They can give you instructions on whether you need to seek emergency medical treatment immediately or if the amount of medication that was taken is not harmful.