Medicines Main Cause Of Child Poisonings

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31407, 28 June 1967, Page 26

Medicines Main Cause Of Child Poisonings

Medicines caused the greatest number of poisonings among Christchurch children in the week ended June 17, the Health Department reported. Next came poisonings caused by substances used in the

garage or garden. Four children were poisoned by medicines. A girl of four years and a girl of two y ears and a half both suffered poisoning after consuming chilblain tablets, a boy of three was poisoned by liniment. and a boy of 18 months was poisoned by epherdrine and vallergan mixture. Glue was responsible for poisoning a boy aged 21 months, a boy of four years was poisoned by kerosene, and a boy of 18 months was poisoned by creosote.

Household materials caused two poisonings—a boy of 19 months consumed cooking oil, and a girl of three years consumed ammonia. Cosmetics caused one case when a boy aged one year consumed bubble bath soap. The first thought of most people concerned in an accident or poisoning was to send for an ambulance and medical aid, said the secretary’ of the Christchurch sub-centre of the St. John Ambulance Association yesterday. These might be some time in coming.

The association, through its first aid classes, devoted training to poisons. First aid in poisons cases was outlined.

“In view of the reported number of over 2000 children under five admitted to hospitals each year through accidental home poisonings, parents are urged to attend a first aid class and learn how to give first aid competently,” Mr Brown said.

“Remember it can happen to your child.”