WHAT IF ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE OCCURS?
Despite our best efforts, sometimes accidents do happen. On such occasions, it's important to act quickly and
efficiently. The following guidelines should be followed by parents and caregivers in the event of accidental
exposure.
In Case of Exposure: AN ACTION LIST
- Keep calm.
- Check product label for first aid advice.
- Follow the advice, then call the local Poison Control Center (PCC)
quickly.
- If no advice is given on label, call PCC immediately.
(While exposure to cleaning products usually causes no significant
medical effects, always call the PCC for advice. They are trained
professionals and are equipped to evaluate the seriousness of the
exposure and its probable outcome).
- Give the PCC this information:
- brand name of product
- company name and 800 number
- type of product
- contents as listed on label (another reason to keep label intact)
- estimated amount of product involved
- mode of exposure (mouth, skin, eye, inhalation)
- time of exposure
- age, weight and general condition of the patient
(be sure to include
information on any health condition existing prior to the exposure,
including any medication being taken).
- an accurate description of any first aid given and a description of the
patient's current condition
- Follow the instructions of the PCC and ask questions if you do not
understand them.
- Keep the patient under observation and immediately report any change to
the PCC.
If the exposure happened in a child care setting, inform
parents/guardian of the accident and explain the advice given by the PCC
(this is especially important if the accident happened later in the day,
so parents can continue to observe the child).
- If the patient is advised to report to a physician or hospital, take
along the product container and any vomitus.
|
