New advice on the first aid treatment for a child who has swallowed a lithium battery!
In my first aid sessions I always warn parents of the dangers of button (lithium) batteries. If your child swallows one and it gets stuck in the oesophagus or bowel it will burn and cause serious problems. So, if you think your child has swallowed a lithium battery TAKE THEM TO ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY. That remains the right thing to do but now there is more:
It is now advised to give 2 teaspoons of honey to children over the age of 12 months, if they are thought to have swallowed a button battery. They should give this every 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 6 doses. They should do this, providing it is immediately available, the child is able to swallow, and it is less than 12 hours since ingestion. Do not give if the child is under 12 months or if they are known to be allergic to honey. Get your child to hospital as soon as possible, do not delay transporting them there.
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It is now advised to give 2 teaspoons of honey to children over the age of 12 months, if they are thought to have swallowed a button battery. They should give this every 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 6 doses. They should do this, providing it is immediately available, the child is able to swallow, and it is less than 12 hours since ingestion. Do not give if the child is under 12 months or if they are known to be allergic to honey. Get your child to hospital as soon as possible, do not delay transporting them there.
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