Toddler (1-4 yr)

Take a breath. You're here.

That's the first right thing.

What's happening?

Get help now

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Call 911

Life-threatening emergency

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Poison Control

1-800-222-1222 (24/7, free)

Swallowed something

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Button battery = EMERGENCY. Go to ER immediately. Give honey (10mL every 10 min) on the way.

☎️

Call Poison Control NOW

1-800-222-1222 (24/7, free)

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Battery Ingestion Hotline

1-800-498-8666 (24/7)

1

Do NOT induce vomiting

Unless Poison Control specifically tells you to.

2

Have the container/item ready

They'll ask: what, how much, when, child's weight.

3

Follow their instructions exactly

They may say watch at home, or go to ER.

Peak poisoning age: 1-3 years

Most common: medications, cleaning products, cosmetics, plants. Store everything out of reach and locked.

Choking (over 1 year)

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If child CAN cough or cry → encourage coughing.
If CANNOT breathe, speak, or cough → act now:

1

Stand or kneel behind child

Wrap arms around their waist.

2

Make a fist with one hand

Place thumb side on abdomen, above navel, below ribcage.

3

Quick upward thrusts

Grasp fist with other hand. Thrust inward and upward.

4

Repeat until object comes out

Or child becomes unconscious → start CPR, call 911.

High-risk choking foods for toddlers:

Hot dogs, grapes (cut lengthwise!), nuts, popcorn, raw carrots, hard candy, chunks of meat or cheese.

Burns

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Call 911 if: Burns on face/hands/feet/genitals, burn larger than child's palm, white/brown/black skin, or electrical/chemical burn

1

Cool with running water 10-20 min

Cool (not cold or ice). Start immediately.

2

Remove clothing/jewelry near burn

Unless stuck to skin — leave that for medical help.

3

Cover with clean, dry bandage

Loosely. Don't pop blisters.

4

Give pain reliever if needed

Children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen, by weight.

✓ Do

Cool with water immediately
Keep child warm (body, not burn)
Comfort and reassure

✕ Don't

Don't use ice (causes more damage)
Don't apply butter, oil, or toothpaste
Don't pop blisters

Fall or head injury

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Call 911 if: Unconscious, seizure, won't stop crying 30+ min, fluid from nose/ears, unequal pupils, repeated vomiting

1

Stay calm, comfort child

Your calm helps them calm.

2

Check for injuries

Bleeding, swelling, limping, won't use arm/leg.

3

Apply cold compress to bumps

20 min on, 20 min off. Wrapped ice, not direct.

4

Monitor 24-48 hours

Watch for: vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, balance problems.

Allergic reaction

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Call 911 if: Throat swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or symptoms in multiple body areas

1

Use EpiPen if prescribed and severe

Outer thigh, through clothing is OK. Call 911 after.

2

Give antihistamine for mild reaction

Children's Benadryl by weight. For hives/itching only.

3

Monitor closely for 4+ hours

Reactions can worsen or return.

Common allergens:

Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame. Also insect stings, medications.