Poisons Prevention

Childhood poisoning

Across Australia unintentional poisoning is the second largest reason for Hospital admission in young children under 5 years of age. Nationally, there were 998 serious cases of poisoning by pharmaceuticals that required Hospital admission in this age group during 2011–12. 73% of all cases occur at home. The average Hospital stay length for pharmaceutical poisoning is 1.2 days and for other substances is 1.9 days. 

Why are children at risk?

Most children are walking by 14 months of age and are exploring their world. Young children don’t always recognise or understand that something is dangerous. They are curious and will put anything in their mouth; they also like to copy others. This is why it’s important for adults to keep them safe and ensure the environment is free from potential poisons.

What are the most common causes of poisoning in young children?

V.I.P. Home Services and Kidsafe

Helping to keep kids safe at home and in the garden

In partnership, Kidsafe SA and V.I.P Home Services have developed a number of resources to support safe gardening and poisons prevention around the home, including poisonous plants.

To download these poisons prevention resources, please click on the links below:

Prevent Poisoning in the Home Information Sheet - August 2016

Grow Me Safely Information Sheet - August 2016

Visit the Kidsafe Centre at the Women's and Children's Hospital to collect your poisons prevention magnet today. Alternatively, contact the Kidsafe Centre on (08) 8161 6318 or email sa@kidsafe.org.au to obtain your copy of the magnets. 

To download printable versions of the magnet content, please click on the links below:

Prevent Poisoning in the Home Infographic- July 2016

Grow me Safely Infographic- July 2016

For more information about V.I.P. Home Services – www.viphomeservices.com.au  
With over 35 years of experience, V.I.P Home Services is a name you can trust.

What to do if your child swallows something poisonous

If your child swallows something poisonous, even if you think they may have, or if the wrong medication or dose has been administered to a child:

• Do not make them vomit
• Pick up the container and the child, take them to the phone and ring the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia wide, 24 hours a day).
• If urgent call 000 and ask for an ambulance immediately and then call the Poisons Information Centre – 13 11 26
   

References

1. AIHW: Pointer S 2014. Hospitalised injury in children and young people 2011–12. Injury research and statistics series no. 91. Cat. no. INJCAT 167. Canberra: AIHW.

2. Tovell A, McKenna K, Bradley C & Pointer S 2012. Hospital separations due to injury and poisoning, Australia 2009–10. Injury research and statistics series no. 69. Cat. no. INJCAT 145. Canberra: AIHW.