Most accidental paediatric ingestions are only 1-2 tablets and a risk assessment will be low.Know your list of '2 pills can kill' in a toddler (see table 1 below).If information is unclear always base the risk assessment upon a 'worse case scenario'.Risk assessment is an essential cognitive step during assessment that outlines ongoing care.Poisonings follow a highly predictable path.Good supportive care is the best way to prevent complications.The vast majority of morbidity and mortality in toxicology arises from complication of the poisoning not the poisoning itself, particularly aspiration due to sedation.Specific information about poisoning presentations can be obtained from Poisons Information: 13 11 26 or refer to the Toxicology and Toxinology – Therapeutic Guidelines. This guideline provides an outline of the general approach to poisoning. To guide PCH Emergency Department (ED) staff with the assessment and management of poisoning or overdose in children. Clinicians should also consider the local skill level available and their local area policies before following any guideline. These clinical guidelines should never be relied on as a substitute for proper assessment with respect to the particular circumstances of each case and the needs of each patient.
Clinical common-sense should be applied at all times. They are not strict protocols, and they do not replace the judgement of a senior clinician. These guidelines have been produced to guide clinical decision making for the medical, nursing and allied health staff of Perth Children’s Hospital.
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