Poisoning: 3 - 4 years

How big a problem is it?

Poisoning is the sixth-leading cause of non-fatal unintentional injury in children aged 0-14. Around 1 child aged 3 - 4 years is hospitalised from a poisoning injury each week. 

This is because young children are naturally curious and learn by putting things in their mouths. They’re too young to know the difference between what is safe and what is dangerous and love to explore closed cupboards, rooms and storage spaces.

Who does it affect?

Poisoning affects younger children disproportionately. Most poisonings happen at home and involve everyday items such as cleaning products, medications, cosmetics, button batteries, glue, alcohol and even plants. Young kids are not necessarily put off by a bitter or sour taste, especially if things look like lollies or are stored in the wrong type of container. 

Male and female children are hospitalised at similar rates; however, Māori children are disproportionately more likely to be hospitalised from poisoning. The good news is that there has been a steady decline in hospitalisations from unintentional poisoning in children over the last decade. Prevention works and there are a number of things you can do to prevent an accidental poisoning in your household or community.

Top Tips

1. Be S.A.F.E.

• STORE all medicines, chemicals and cleaners in their correct containers, up high in a lockable cupboard out of children's reach and sight. If you can’t install locks, make sure you use lockable containers.

• ASK your pharmacist for safety caps on medicines

• FOLLOW the dose instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.

• ENSURE you read and follow safety instructions on medicines, chemicals and cleaners.

2. Take a good look around your home for any unwanted or expired medications or chemicals and dispose of them safely.
3. If you become distracted while using a cleaning product, take it with you.
4. It’s tempting to refer to medicines and vitamins as lollies, however this is confusing to a young child and potentially dangerous as they may seek them out when you’re not looking.

First Aid

If your child is unconscious or has stopped breathing call 111 immediately and start CPR.

Follow Drs ABCD to start CPR

D Dangers? Check for any dangers to yourself such as electricity or traffic.
R Responsive? Check responsiveness by calling loudly and shaking the child's arm.
S Send for help. Dial 111 and confirm an ambulance is on its way. Use the appropriate emergency number in other countries.
A Airway. Open the airway by moving the head into a neutral position and lifting the chin. Do not tilt the head back too far.
B Breathing. Look and feel for movement of the lower chest and stomach area. Listen and feel for air coming from the nose or mouth.
C CPR. If the child is not breathing, start CPR - 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Put the child on a firm surface. Place 2 fingers of one hand (for a baby) or the heel of one hand (for a child) in the centre of the chest just below the nipples. Push down hard and fast 30 times in about 15 seconds (push down one-third of chest depth).
Once you have completed 30 compressions (pushes) on the chest, breathe into the baby's mouth 2 times. Seal your lips around the baby's mouth and nose. For a child over 1, you may need to breathe into their mouth and pinch their nose closed. Gently puff into the child until you see their chest rise.
Continue with the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until the ambulance arrives.
D Defibrillator. Attach defibrillator as soon as is it available and follow prompts.

Links to Safekids’ resources 

Download Poisons reference card

Reference Card Sources

Poisoning Prevention Resources 

Links to other organisations’ resources

New Zealand's National Poisons Centre

Toxinz - Poisons Information

Public Health Surveillance - Chemical Injuries Surveillance

Pharmacy Guild of NZ

Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua Factsheet on Poisonous Plants