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Babysitter's Guide to Poison Prevention
Know where the children are at all times and what they are doing; if they are very quiet, check on them immediately.
Anticipate the child's curiosity and abilities according to age and developmental skills.
Make sure counters in kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms are free of possible poisons.
Don't let the child get hungry. He or she is more likely to try to find something to eat and may choose the wrong thing.
Be alert for a repeat poisoning. A child who has swallowed a poison is more likely to become poisoned again within a year.
Do not leave your purse or handbag where a child can reach it. Store in a safe place. Cosmetics, perfumes, medications, and vitamins are common handbag contents that could poison a child. If you use a poisonous product, put it away immediately.
Never call medicine "candy" in order to get a child to take it.
Be sure there is syrup of Ipecac on hand in case of accidental poisoning. Ask your employer to get some if not on hand already.
When you call the California Poison Control System, take the container and the child to the phone with you.
The Poison Specialist will ask you these questions:
1. Your name and phone number
2. The name of the child
3. Your relationship to the child
4. Age and weight of the child
5. Describe what happened and the name of the product
6. Time of poisoning
7. How does the child look and feel now
The California Poison Control System phone number is: 1-800-876-4766.
The National Poison Control Phone Number is: 1-800-222-1222.
Always call, even if you are not sure. Better to be safe.
Copyright © California Poison Control System. Reprinted with permission.
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