What should be done if a child has ingested rat poison? - briefly
Call emergency services immediately, give the exact product name and amount ingested, and keep the poison container for reference. Do not induce vomiting; keep the child calm and follow medical professionals’ instructions.
What should be done if a child has ingested rat poison? - in detail
If a child has swallowed rodenticide, immediate action is critical.
Call emergency services without delay. Provide the dispatcher with the child’s age, weight, time of ingestion, and any known product name or active ingredient. Keep the poison container nearby for reference.
Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional. Administering emetics can increase the risk of aspiration and may worsen toxicity.
If the child is conscious and able to swallow, give a small amount of water or milk to dilute the substance, but avoid large volumes that could provoke vomiting.
While waiting for emergency responders, monitor vital signs: level of consciousness, breathing pattern, pulse, and skin color. Note any signs of bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting, or seizures.
Medical treatment typically includes:
- Gastric decontamination with activated charcoal, administered by healthcare personnel, to bind remaining toxin.
- Intravenous vitamin K₁, the specific antidote for anticoagulant rodenticides, dosed according to severity and laboratory coagulation results.
- Supportive care, such as fluid resuscitation, correction of electrolyte imbalances, and blood product transfusion if significant bleeding occurs.
- Continuous cardiac monitoring and repeated laboratory assessments (prothrombin time, INR, complete blood count) to guide ongoing therapy.
After stabilization, follow‑up includes education on safe storage of hazardous substances, child‑proofing the environment, and ensuring that all household chemicals are kept out of reach.