Poisoning: symptoms and first aid tips

Recognize the signs and symptoms of poisoning:

• Burns or redness around the mouth and lips, which is often a result of drinking certain poisons.

• Breath smelling of chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner.

• Vomiting, difficulty breathing, sleepiness, confusion, seizures.

While waiting for help, do the following:

• If the suspected poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the label and follow instructions for accidental poisoning, which are usually printed on the package.

• If the poison spilled on your child’s clothes, skin or eyes, remove the clothing. Flush the skin or eyes with cool or lukewarm water by putting him or her under the shower for 20 minutes or until help arrives.

• Take the poison container (or any pill bottles) with you to the hospital so the doctors would know how to treat your poisoned child.

Choking/swallowing

Young children often swallow small objects without knowing that doing so is harmful. Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air and cutting off oxygen to the brain.

First aid is crucial. Perform the Heimlich maneuver – but you have to be properly trained for it before you do it, otherwise you do more harm than good. If you’re the only rescuer, perform the Heimlich maneuver before calling the local emergency number for help. If somebody else is available, have that person call for help while you perform the Heimlich maneuver.

To perform the Heimlich maneuver:

• Stand behind your child and wrap your arms around his or her waist. Tip your child forward slightly.

• Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above your child’s navel.

• Grasp your fist with your other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust as if trying to lift your child up.

• Repeat until the blockage is dislodged.

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