Prevent Childhood Poisonings: Tips from Good Samaritan

KEARNEY-CHI Health Good Samaritan urges parents and caregivers to take proactive steps against accidental childhood poisonings during National Poison Prevention Week (March 15-21). 

Unintentional child poisonings remain a significant safety concern across the U.S., with over 67,000 emergency department visits annually for children under 5. Most incidents (7 out of 10) happen at home with medications as the leading cause, followed by household cleaners.

Tracy Rademacher, Trauma Prevention Nurse at CHI Health Good Samaritan and coordinator for Safe Kids Platte Valley, details essential precautions:

-Store Safely: All medicines, cleaning products, laundry packets, and pesticides must be kept in locked cabinets, completely out of sight and out of reach of children. Even seemingly innocuous items, like nicotine pods or button batteries, can pose a serious threat if left unsecured.
-Original Containers Only: Never transfer hazardous products into containers meant for food or drink. These containers lack child safety locks and children can easily mistake dangerous chemicals and medications for beverages or snacks.
-Be Alert and Vigilant: Because children are naturally curious and move quickly, parents and caregivers must always be alert. Extra vigilance is necessary during stressful times, such as holidays, or when in unfamiliar surroundings, like a grandparent's house.
-Regular Cabinet Checks: Parents and caregivers should regularly check their homes for expired medications or unused chemicals. Safe and proper disposal of these potential hazards is crucial to prevent accidental exposure.

“Children’s curiosity is boundless, and their hands are lightning fast. If they spot something, their natural instinct is to explore—and that innocent moment can have devastating consequences,” says Rademacher. “By making just a few smart changes in our home and staying vigilant, we all possess the power to drastically reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.”

For suspected poisoning, immediately call the national Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. CHI Health Good Samaritan strongly recommends everyone save this number directly into their phones. Call 911 if the person is unconscious, has a seizure, collapses or has difficulty breathing.