Household Cleaning Products Poisoning and first aid
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Preventing Household Poisoning in Children
Risks and Awareness
Thousands of children and infants require medical care each year due to poisoning from common household products.
- Most Vulnerable Group: Children under five, especially those aged one to three, are at the highest risk.
- UK Hospital Admissions: Approximately 15 children under five are admitted daily due to sudden poisoning incidents.
Causes of Poisoning
Young children are particularly vulnerable due to:
- Inquisitiveness and exploration leading to ingestion of household items.
- Copying behaviours, including handling dangerous products.
- Mistaking detergent capsules for toys or sweets, posing ingestion and eye irritation risks.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Serious poisoning may present with:
- Projectile vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness or reduced consciousness
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures
Immediate Actions for Suspected Poisoning
- Seek Medical Help: Contact emergency services immediately.
- Do Not: Allow the child to drink anything or induce vomiting.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep a sample of the substance if known.
- Unconscious Child: Attempt to wake them and encourage spitting out of pills.
- Chemical Burns: Rinse affected areas with cold water or milk.
Providing Medical Information
When seeking medical assistance, provide:
- Details of the substance ingested, timing, and quantity if known.
- Circumstances of ingestion (accidental or deliberate).
- Any observed symptoms like vomiting.
Preventing Accidents with Household Cleaning Products
- Supervise Closely: Monitor children closely in home environments.
- Secure Storage: Store chemicals out of sight and reach, ideally in locked cupboards.
- Use Original Containers: Keep products in their original labelled containers.
- Immediate Disposal: Dispose of unwanted products safely and promptly.
- Separate Storage: Store cleaning products away from food and medicine.
- Follow Instructions: Use products strictly according to label instructions.
- Avoid Mixing: Do not mix household chemicals, as this can create hazardous gases.
Learning Outcomes:
- IPOSi Unit four LO5.1, 5.2, 5.3 & 5.4