THE NATIONAL TOLL-FREE POISON EMERGENCY NUMBER: 1-800-222-1222

The most important aspect in poisoning is for you to keep calm and call the poison control center. Remember, most children who swallow poisons are not permanently harmed. You should suspect poisoning if you find your child with an open container of a toxic substance, especially if he is acting strange. If you think your child has swallowed poison, call the Poison Control Center. This telephone number should be near or on your telephone by the time your child is 6 months old. There is a 24-hour-hotline-service available nationally, which offers the most up-to-date poison information. The service is staffed with specialists who are trained to handle management of poisoning emergencies. The National Toll-Free Poison Control telephone number is 1-800-222-1222.

Be prepared to tell the specialists:

• The exact name of the product;
• The amount possibly ingested;
• When the poisoning occurred; and
• The age and weight of your child.

If a harmful substance has entered your child's eyes, hold his eyelids open and flush his eyes with water. Irrigate his eyes for 10-15 minutes with a gentle stream of lukewarm water from a glass or pitcher. After his eyes have been flushed, call the Poison Control Center for further instructions or go to the closest emergency room.