Preventing Pediatric Preventing Pediatric PoisoningsPoisonings

WHAMWHAM

WWhat risks are observed on scene?hat risks are observed on scene?

HHow can we keep from coming back?ow can we keep from coming back?

AAction to take to prevent future ction to take to prevent future injuriesinjuries

MMaterials to leave behind aterials to leave behind

WHAMWHAM

Pediatric PoisoningPediatric Poisoning

53% of poison exposures occur to kids under 6 y.o. 53% of poison exposures occur to kids under 6 y.o.

In Washington, poisoning deaths among young In Washington, poisoning deaths among young children are rare. However, when combined with children are rare. However, when combined with intentional poisoning, it is the second leading cause intentional poisoning, it is the second leading cause of injury hospitalizations for children 0-17 years. of injury hospitalizations for children 0-17 years.

During 2000-2004 in Pierce Co. there were 263 During 2000-2004 in Pierce Co. there were 263 poison-related hospitalizations for children <18 y.o.poison-related hospitalizations for children <18 y.o.

Slightly more than half (51.7%) were intentional. Slightly more than half (51.7%) were intentional.

Washington Poison Center’s Washington Poison Center’s Top 5 Exposure Calls (2005)Top 5 Exposure Calls (2005)

IbuprofenIbuprofen Diaper care/rash productsDiaper care/rash products Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol)Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol) Anti-depressantsAnti-depressants Hypochlorite (chlorine bleach)Hypochlorite (chlorine bleach)

The 5 “rights” of med safetyThe 5 “rights” of med safety

The right personThe right person The right doseThe right dose The right medicineThe right medicine The right timeThe right time The right routeThe right route

You are called to a chaotic scene at a You are called to a chaotic scene at a home for an elderly woman who has home for an elderly woman who has fallen. The patient was visiting her son fallen. The patient was visiting her son and his three small children. and his three small children.

The son suddenly realizes that he has The son suddenly realizes that he has lost track of his 2-year-old. You see the lost track of his 2-year-old. You see the child picking some pills up off the floor. child picking some pills up off the floor.

WWhat risks are observed on scene?hat risks are observed on scene?

HHow can we keep from ow can we keep from coming back?coming back?

Remind parent to keep all medication out of Remind parent to keep all medication out of reach of childrenreach of children

Remind parents that even if their home is Remind parents that even if their home is “child proofed,” grandparents’ homes and “child proofed,” grandparents’ homes and others may not beothers may not be

Keep all meds and cleaning products in Keep all meds and cleaning products in original containers original containers

Inform parent of Poison Control number and Inform parent of Poison Control number and informationinformation

AAction to takection to taketo prevent further injuriesto prevent further injuries

Utilize WHAM folder on rigUtilize WHAM folder on rig Washington Poison Center Washington Poison Center

“Prevention & Treatment “Prevention & Treatment Guide – Poisons” Guide – Poisons” (English and (English and Spanish)Spanish)

Safe Kids “Where’s Your Safe Kids “Where’s Your Medicine” booklet Medicine” booklet (English (English and Spanish)and Spanish)

Washington Poison Center Washington Poison Center number stickersnumber stickers

MMaterials to leave behindaterials to leave behind

Further info on Preventing Further info on Preventing Accidental PoisoningAccidental Poisoning

Links:Links:Washington Poison Center website: Washington Poison Center website: www.wapc.orgwww.wapc.org

Washington Poison Center offers tours to EMTs Washington Poison Center offers tours to EMTs and paramedics—sign up online and paramedics—sign up online or call 1-800-222-1222or call 1-800-222-1222

WHAM developed by:WHAM developed by: Central Pierce Fire & RescueCentral Pierce Fire & Rescue

City of DuPont Fire DepartmentCity of DuPont Fire DepartmentGig Harbor Fire & Medic OneGig Harbor Fire & Medic One

Safe Kids Pierce CountySafe Kids Pierce CountyTacoma-Pierce County Health Dept.Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept.

With funding from:With funding from:West Region EMS & Trauma West Region EMS & Trauma

Care CouncilCare Council