Childhood poisoning in Queensland: An analysis of presentation and admission rates

Objective: To determine the presentation rates for paediatric poisoning by ingestion and the determinants of hospital admission. Methodology: Cross‐sectional survey using an injury surveillance database from emergency departments in South Brisbane, Mackay and Mt Isa, Queensland, from January 1998 to December 1999. There were 1516 children aged 0–14 years who presented following ingestional poisoning. Results: The presentation rates for poisoning were 690, 40 and 67 per 100 000 population aged 0–4, 5–9 and 10–14 years, respectively. The admission rates to hospital for poisoning were 144, 14 and 22 per 100 000 population aged 0–4, 5–9 and 10–14 years, respectively. Although presentation rates for poisoning were higher in the rural centres the admission rates were disproportionately high for the 0–4 years age group. The agents most frequently ingested were paracetamol, Dimetapp®, rodenticides and essential oils. Conclusion: There is a need to design and implement interventions aimed at reducing poison exposures and unnecessary hospital admissions in the 0–4 years age group.