1. Preventing Pediatric Poisonings WHAM

2. W hat risks are observed on scene? H ow can we keep from coming back? A ction to take to prevent future injuries M aterials to leave behind WHAM

3. Pediatric Poisoning  53% of poison exposures occur to kids under 6 y.o.  In Washington, poisoning deaths among young children are rare. However, when combined with intentional poisoning, it is the second leading cause of injury hospitalizations for children 0-17 years.  During 2000-2004 in Pierce Co. there were 263 poison-related hospitalizations for children <18 y.o. Slightly more than half (51.7%) were intentional.

4. Washington Poison Center’s Top 5 Exposure Calls (2005)  Ibuprofen  Diaper care/rash products  Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol)  Anti-depressants  Hypochlorite (chlorine bleach)

5. The 5 “rights” of med safety  The right person  The right dose  The right medicine  The right time  The right route

6. You are called to a chaotic scene at a home for an elderly woman who has fallen. The patient was visiting her son and his three small children. The son suddenly realizes that he has lost track of his 2-year-old. You see the child picking some pills up off the floor. What risks are observed on scene?

7. How can we keep from coming back?

8.  Remind parent to keep all medication out of reach of children  Remind parents that even if their home is “child proofed,” grandparents’ homes and others may not be  Keep all meds and cleaning products in original containers  Inform parent of Poison Control number and information Action to take to prevent further injuries

9.  Utilize WHAM folder on rig  Washington Poison Center “Prevention & Treatment Guide – Poisons” (English and Spanish)  Safe Kids “Where’s Your Medicine” booklet (English and Spanish)  Washington Poison Center number stickers Materials to leave behind

10. Further info on Preventing Accidental Poisoning Links: Washington Poison Center website: www.wapc.org www.wapc.org Washington Poison Center offers tours to EMTs and paramedics—sign up online or call 1-800-222-1222

11. WHAM developed by: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue City of DuPont Fire Department Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One Safe Kids Pierce County Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept. With funding from: West Region EMS & Trauma Care Council