3/22/2010

Safe Kids has 6 events to highlight Poison Prevention Week

Safe Kids and Gainesville Fire Rescue hosted events all week to educate on Poison Prevention. Each evening a different GFR fire station provided a "one-stop shop" for poison prevention information. Safe Kids provided educational information for children, teens and parents. Activity books, games, give-away items and brochures were provided to families. “It doesn’t take much to make a small child sick,” said Debora Regan, coordinator of North Central Florida. “Kids have faster metabolisms than adults and anything they ingest will be absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly.” We want to educate families and prevent poison fatalities from happening. This week we were able to reach hundreds of people and educate them on poisonings to prevent injuries and fatalities.

Krista Gonzalez from GFR stated, "In 2009, poisonings and overdoses ranked 4th highest in GFR data for EMS calls. GFR responded to 435 overdoes last year alone." For Poison Prevention week, GFR stations provided a safe location to drop off expired meds. GFR invited ACFR, GPD and UF College of Pharmacy to partipate in Poison Prevention Week. These agencies educated on alcohol safety, illegal drugs, poison prevention and brown-bag screenings.

Safe Kids North Central Florida reminds parents to keep the poison control hotline number handy. “Memorize this toll-free number: 800-222-1222,” Regan said. “Keep it near every phone in your home and program it into your cell phone.” From anywhere in the United States, this number connects to the local poison control center. Call 911, not poison control, if a child is choking, having trouble breathing or having a seizure. Follow the 911 operator’s instructions. Do not induce vomiting or give the child any fluid or medication unless directed.

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