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Years ago, if your child swallowed some type of poison, you wouldn't think twice about using Ipecac to induce vomiting. Today, Poison Centers would never recommend Ipecac. However, many online sources still vouch for its effectiveness. In a panic, people often click on the first seemingly reputable option online.
Every second counts when it comes to poisoning. The longer it takes to look through pages of search results online, the greater the danger of negative health effects. A mistreated poison exposure can escalate an easy in-home treatment into a trip to the hospital.
Because factors like weight, height, medical history, and in some cases even geography can drastically change the outcome of a poison exposure, it's vital that poisonings are handled on a case-by- case basis. Poison Center experts are the only reliable source for accurate medical recommendations regarding poisons.
Calling a Poison Center is like calling a really smart, caring family member, minus the judgment and gossip-spreading. The voice on the other end of the line is a medical professional who has undergone years of training and rigorous testing just to qualify to answer your questions. In fact, 20 percent of our calls are from doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who are seeking specialized treatment advice.
Poison Centers keep millions of people out hospitals each year. While a quick search online may seem like an easy option, it's no substitute for speaking with medical experts in real-time. |
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Parenting Milestone: Calling Poison Control
Go into any playground or school where there are parents who have survived the toddler years and see how many people have a Poison Center story.
You will almost always hear: "Oh! I called them once when I..." and the story usually ends with "everything was fine and the woman on the phone was so nice!"
No one purposefully leaves the aspirin bottle within reach, and we don't encourage eating out of the dog's bowl. And yet, even the most careful among us find our children drinking toilet water, playing in the cat's litter box, or grinning widely with a mouth full of some unknown substance.
There are really no stories that the poison center experts have not heard. Here's what you should know:
- If something happens, you need to have the Poison Help number on hand:1-800-222-1222. Take a minute right now to program it into your cell phone. Post the number where it can be clearly seen in an emergency.
- Don't panic! In the rare chance that your child is in imminent danger, the Poison Center will have you hang up and call for an ambulance. They will find out which hospital you will be going to and then call to prepare the hospital for what to expect upon your arrival.
- There really is no question too silly, too small, or too trivial. Unlike 9-1-1, the Poison Help number can be used for questions as well as emergencies, so you don't need to wonder if it's OK to call. It's always OK to call!
- Calls are answered immediately any time of day or night and are free and confidential. The experts on the other end of the line will not judge or chastise you. They'll be glad you called. The most common experiences people have when calling a Poison Center is a sense of relief.
Hopefully, making the call to the poison center is one milestone you'll never have to reach. But if you do, know that you're not alone and be glad you had that number handy! |
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Check out our new public service announcement! |
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Now that kids are out of school and many families are planning vacations, be sure to keep an eye out for bugs and critters that can sting or bite you. Here are some popular bugs that lurk in Texas and how to deal with them:
FIRE ANTS
Fire ants are aggressive and attack when their mound is disrupted. A fire ant sting can be painful and cause itchiness. Usually a red bump will occur on the skin, but some individuals might have a more serious reaction and need medical attention. Avoid fire ants by watching where you are walking and wearing insect repellent.
BEES, HORNETS, YELLOW JACKETS AND WASPS
These insects can be some of the most painful stings of summer. As long as you are not allergic to any of these, you can easily call the Poison Center for advice.
CHIGGERS
Chiggers are a bothersome bug found in tall grass and weeds that will attach to your skin and feed on your skin cells, eventually falling off and leaving behind an itchy redness. This can unfortunately last for several weeks.
MOSQUITOES
Mosquitoes are the most common bug that bites during the summer months. Make sure to wear insect repellent with DEET in it to avoid being bitten.
TICKS
Ticks are something to look out for when you are hiking in wooded areas or camping. If you are on an outdoor excursion, make sure to check yourself for ticks afterwards. They usually resemble a black round ball and its head is embedded in your skin. To remove ticks, use tweezers by getting as close as possible to the skin and then pulling it out in with a gentle tug. It is best to keep the tick in a plastic baggie in case the tick is carrying a disease and you need further medical attention.
For tips and tricks on how to stop pain as well as to know what the signs of allergic reaction would be after a bite or sting, call your local Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. |
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