Call to clean chests

AMBULANCE Victoria is urging people to spring clean their medicine cupboards by removing outdated medications and safely disposing of them.
Out-of-date medications are often not effective and present a risk of accidental overdose if they are left lying around the house, Ambulance Victoria paramedic team manager Alicia Doreian said.
“The recommended way to dispose of out-of-date and unused medications is to return them to the local pharmacy,” Ms Doreian said.
“This way people, their family and the environment all remain safe and out of danger,” she said.
Ms Doreian said it was also important that all poisons are clearly labelled and stored in a separate cupboard, away from drinks and food and out of the reach of children, as poisoning is one of the most common emergency presentations for young children.
As part of the spring cleaning, Ms Doreian also urged people to stock first aid kits for their home and their car.
“Throughout the year, bits and pieces may be used from a first aid kit, but in time of emergency it is vital to have it fully stocked,” she said.
A home first aid kit should contain at least:
Triangular bandages, gloves, scissors, sterile wound dressings, bandaids, resuscitation mask, paracetamol, crepe bandages, sterile saline water, safety pins, first aid book, sterile wipes and adhesive tape.