What's New - Poisoning   Poisoning   Poisoning (plant, chemical, drug & alcohol) What if my child eats something in the garden? Most leaves/plants/grasses taste very bitter, our sour taste buds are at the front of the mouth, the child will spit it out, but remember they have to learn and putting things in their mouths is one of their learning centres. DO NOT try and retrieve the object as you will push it further back down. If you think the child has eaten some, keep a sample and call for advice to NHS Direct or come to A&E with the plant/berry/flower. What do I do if my child drinks bleach or under-sink liquids? Keep calm, as I have said before the sour taste buds are at the front of the tongue, most children get only a taste they don’t usually drink much. Reassure the child as they may be distressed, drinking cold milk helps relieve the burning sensation. If you think they have drunk some liquid, bring the bottle and attend your nearest A&E, we can then treat as necessary. What do I do if my child takes some tablets? Keep calm, do not make the child sick, keep the packaging and come to A&E, we will treat as recommended by the Poisons Reference Unit. Try and keep all medication out of reach in a locked cupboard. If the child is sick, see if there are any tablets present and if possible bring to A&E What do if my child drinks alcohol? Depends on how much, if they seem just tiddled, then let them sleep it off, on their sides in case they are sick, treat as you would yourself, plenty of fluids and some calpol for their headache! If you think they have consumed significant amounts and it is affecting their level of consciousness, then bring them to A&E and we will treat them, do not make them sick, as they may inhale their vomit if they are not fully conscious. Remember if they are not responding then treat as unconscious and check for ABC, if all present keep in recovery position and call for 999.     Return To Previous Page