Answer:
The National Poisons Centre is New Zealand’s only poison and hazardous chemicals information centre and runs a 24 hour 7 day toll free telephone advice service. They currently answer around 25,000 telephone enquires each year. 0800POISON (0800 764 766).
Their main role is to provide advice to members of the public and health care professionals about acute poisoning situations. This can include:
- Medicines
- Chemicals
- Hazardous creatures (e.g. spiders, snakes, jellyfish)
- Plants and fungi
They give advice on what to do in situations of poisoning or where poisoning might occur. This includes:
- If someone has swallowed, inhaled or injected a substance
- If someone has got a substance in their eye(s) or on their skin
- If someone has been bitten or stung by a hazardous creature
- Advice on preventing poisonings in the home
- General first aid advice for poisonings
Click on this link for further information: National Poison Centre NZ
DO NOT induce vomiting or give anything to drink unless advised to do so by the Poison Centre.
If someone is unconscious, Call 111 first!
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Currently, there are temporary changes to the steps to be followed in resuscitation. These can be found in the video below or by clicking here to see the New Zealand Resuscitation Council temporary guideline recommendation.
Click the link to go to the New Zealand Resuscitation Council Covid-19 recommended modifications for delivering resuscitation whilst the pandemic remains a threat. Click play to see a short video outlining CPR modifications that should be followed during the pandemic.
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Acknowledgement
Data and information are fact-checked against various recognised sources, including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Health Navigator New Zealand, St John, and other recognised entities specialising in the specific subject content. It should be noted that variances in protocols exist and where necessary are identified.