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September 16, 2003
HONOLULU – Parents and caregivers need to say good-bye to "Mr.
Yuck" and hello to the "Hawaii Poison Hotline" at
1-800-222-1222.
The Hawaii Poison Hotline is part of a national poison prevention
network. The new hotline number connects you directly to specially
trained pharmacists and nurses to help manage poison exposure and
answer poison related questions. It is accessible from anywhere within
the United States and operates 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week with free,
confidential services.
Keep the number handy, and remember, if you suspect a poisoning,
call the "Hawaii Poison Hotline" immediately at
1-800-222-1222
The Hawaii Poison Hotline receives 12,000 a
year. {1,000 calls per month}
Most common poisonings:
1. Bites and stings (insects, marine
organisms).
2. Cosmetics, personal care products
3. Analgesics (pain relief medications)
4. Cleaning products
5. Pesticides
6. Foreign bodies, toys, miscellaneous
7. Food poisoning
8. Plants
9. Topical ointments or creams
10. Cough and cold medications
Most victims are children 5 years old and
younger. {Stats from last year.}
| 5 years old and younger |
|
3,422 |
|
47% |
| 6 to 12 years |
|
455 |
|
6% |
| 13 to 19 years |
|
526 |
|
7% |
| 20 years and older |
|
2,933 |
|
40% |
| TOTAL |
|
7,336 |
|
100% |
- Keep the number of your Poison Center on or near your
telephone.
- If you suspect a poisoning, do not wait for sign and symptoms to
develop. Call your Poison Center immediately.
- Poison-proof your home. Store all medicines, chemicals and
household products out of reach and out of sight of children,
preferably in a locked cabinet or closet.
- A good rule to teach children is to "always ask first" before
eating or drinking anything. Don't touch, don't smell and don't
taste.
- It is important that you know the names of all the plants in your
home and yard because your plants cannot accurately be identified from
a telephone description.
- Store medicines separately from other household products and keep
these items in their original containers - never in cups or soft drink
bottles.
- Ask for and use household substances which are available in child
resistant packaging. But remember - nothing is child-proof!
- Children learn by imitation - avoid taking medications in their
presence. Avoid drinking medicine from the bottle.
- Are children around? Even if you must leave the room for only an
instant to answer the door or phone, take the product or medicine with
you.
- Chemicals and household products should be stored away from food.
Death could be a result of a mistaken identity.
# # #
Laura M. Lott
DOH Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
E-mail: lmlott@mail.health.state.hi.us
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