Chapter 11 Promoting Children’s Safety Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 215 poisoning emergencies can occur. These include breathing toxic fumes and chemical injuries to the eyes or skin. If any type of poisoning emergency occurs, follow these procedures. Do not rely on fi rst aid information, antidote charts, or product information. Often this information is outdated or incorrect. The child may experience additional injury if the wrong action is taken. Always call 911 or your local emergency immediately if the child is drowsy, is unconscious, has diffi culty breathing, or has seizures. Be prepared to provide specifi c information. You will be asked to: • describe the child’s symptoms • identify any fi rst aid procedures you have already administered • report the time at which the substance was taken • report the child’s age and weight • provide the name of the poisonous substance • report the amount of substance the child consumed If you suspect poisoning and there are no symptoms, contact the National Poison Center at 800-222-1222 (in the United States). If the child removed the substance from a container, have the container with you when you call. Unless the exact amount is known, overestimating the amount consumed is better than underestimating it. Do not keep emetics—substances that induce vomiting when swallowed—within the facility. Syrup of ipecac is an example of an emetic. Never give a child syrup of ipecac or any other emetic. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, no good evidence of its effectiveness exists. Some poisons, such as drain cleaner or lye, can cause serious damage to the child’s esophagus if vomiting is induced. These substances are called caustics. They burn going down the child’s esophagus. If vomiting is induced, they will also burn coming up. One of the leading causes of poisoning in young children is toxic plants. When eaten, many popular house and garden plants can produce toxicity ranging from minor to severe. They can cause skin rashes, upset stomachs, or even death. Many common household plants are poisonous. To prevent poisoning, check with your fl orist before purchasing a plant for the classroom. Finally, teach children never to put any leaves, fl owers, or berries into their mouths. Neglect and Abuse The number of referral rates for child abuse and neglect continue to increase. Studies show domestic violence is more prevalent in homes with younger children. Many states reported that more than a quarter of abused children were younger than 3 years old. Twenty percent were in the range of 3–5 years of age. Neglect was the largest category, representing about 75 percent of maltreatment. Physical abuse was the next largest category, followed by sexual abuse. Figure 11.8 Poisonous Substances Batteries/battery acid Candle wax Cleaners: ammonia, bleach, dishwasher detergent, dishwashing liquid, disinfectants, drain cleaner, dusting spray, laundry pods, lemon oil, spot remover, toilet bowl cleaner, window cleaner Cosmetics and personal care items: aftershave lotion, hair care products, makeup, mouthwash, nail polish and nail polish remover, perfume, sunscreen Flowers and plants: many varieties— consult a greenhouse for names Glue Lighter fluid Matches Medications: many prescription and over- the-counter drugs Mouse poison Paint and paint thinners Pesticides Plant food Shoe polish Soap Vitamins