The Tygerberg Hospital (TBH) and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) Poisons Information Centres urges parents and caregivers to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their children safe during the winter months.
While poisonings occur year-round, winter’s cold weather brings an increased risk of unintentional poisonings, such as medication exposures.
Last year, the Poison Information Helpline of the Western Cape recorded 12 267 patient-related calls, with 42% attributed to exposure to pharmaceutical products. Alarmingly, more than a third of these cases involved pharmaceutical poisoning in children aged 1 to five, totalling 1 096 reported incidents.
Carine Marks, director of the Poisons Information Centre at TBH, advised parents and caregivers to be extra cautious in storing pharmaceutical syrups and medications, especially those with sweet, flavoured or brightly coloured formulations. Children’s natural curiosity and exploration can lead them to ingest these substances if they find them, often unaware of the potential dangers.
“While most ingestions may not result in serious harm, there is still a risk of severe toxicity, underscoring the importance of proper storage and supervision. Just as one remembers to hang up clothes before bed, it’s imperative for parents to store medications out of reach immediately after use. This simple practice can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure children’s safety, especially during winter when cold and flu medications are commonly used,” Marks pointed out.
“In the event of a child being exposed to a toxic dose of pharmaceuticals, prompt action is crucial. Contacting the poison helpline or seeking medical attention at the hospital can make a significant difference in ensuring the child’s safety and receiving timely medical care.”
V In case of an emergency, you can call the following numbers:
- All emergencies: 112 (cellphone) or 10177 (landline); or
- Poisons Information Helpline: 0861 555 777.
