Poison control is a critical element in safeguarding community health. Poison control centers provide immediate, life-saving advice and information to both the public and healthcare providers in cases of suspected poisoning. They are staffed by specialists, including toxicologists and nurses, who can assess the severity of a poisoning incident and recommend appropriate treatment measures. Public health professionals collaborate with poison control centers to track poisoning trends, identify emerging threats, and develop preventive strategies. They also work on educational campaigns to raise awareness about common poisons and safe handling practices, aiming to reduce the incidence of poisoning. This partnership is vital for early detection and response to poisoning outbreaks, ensuring a coordinated effort to protect public health and minimize the impact of toxic exposures on communities.
Indiana Poison Center Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital 1701 N Senate Blvd, Room B402 Indianapolis, IN 46202 1-800-222-1222
Approximately 50% of poison center cases involve children under the age of six. The following is a list of things that make this age group so vulnerable:
Natural Curiosity Young children are naturally curious and typically learn by trying. New things may be explored by looking, touching, smelling, or tasting. It is the adult’s responsibility to make sure that items within their reach will not harm them.
Imitation Young children try their hardest to imitate the adults in their lives, but they are not always successful. Sometimes they will attempt to take medication on their own or mistake a household cleaner or alcoholic drink for soda or juice.
Improper Storage Leaving products on the counter or table between uses will increase the likelihood that a child will get into it.
Lack of Supervision Children will get into things they shouldn’t when an adult is not paying attention. This includes when adults are cooking, answering the door or phone, taking a shower, or visiting with friends.
Look-Alikes Medicines and laundry pods can look like candy to young children. Liquid cleaners and chemicals can look like drinks.
Most poisonings are preventable!
Here are simple steps to protect young children:
Lock medicines and household products in a safe place away from children. Placing items on high shelves is not enough. Children are great climbers!
Take medicines when or where children are not watching. Children learn by imitation.
Put the number for the Indiana Poison Center (IPC) on or near every telephone in the house: 1.800.222.1222. It is also a good idea to program it into every working cell phone.
Be sure babysitters and others caring for your children have the phone number posted in their homes.
The WebPoisonControl website offers help and advice in identifying the potentially harmful substances.
