 www.humc.com
|
March 9, 2000
MEDICAL CENTER AND POISON CENTER URGE RESIDENTS
TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST POTENTIAL POISONS
Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack and the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System in Newark remind the public that National Poison Prevention Week is March 19 to 25.
Over one million children are exposed to poisonous products each year, and in seconds, exposure to a poisonous substance can lead to a lifetime injury. The medical professionals at poison information centers nationwide are only a phone call away when advice is needed on emergency treatment or poison information. By safely managing a portion of poisoning exposures in the home, their advice can help to eliminate needless trips to the emergency room and its associated costs.
Joseph Feldman, M.D. and vice chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center, said that adults caring for children, the frail elderly, or anyone who cannot perceive danger, need to be vigilant in keeping medicines and hazardous products out of reach. "While hazards cannot be completely eliminated, the medical center urges residents to be aware of the potential dangers of accidental exposure to poisons," he said. "Avoiding a tragedy by thinking ahead is the best possible protection."
The New Jersey Poison Center recommends that all hazardous household products be kept in their original containers and locked out of sight. Purchase medications with child-resistant caps and dispose outdated medications. Keep a bottle of syrup of ipecac at home in case a poison center, emergency department, or physician instructs you to use it. Finally, keep the Poison Center number, 1-800-POISON-1, near the telephone in case of emergency.
Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue · Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601 · (201) 996-2000