Paramedic urges clean out

AMBULANCE Victoria has urged people to spring clean their medicine cupboard by removing outdated medications and safely disposing them.
Ambulance Victoria paramedic team manager Alicia Doreian said out of date medications could often be non-effective and presented a risk of accidental overdose if they were left around the house.
“The recommended way to dispose of out of date and unused medications is to return them to the local pharmacy,” she said.
“This way people, their family and the environment all remain safe and out of danger.”
Ms Doreian said it was important that poisons were clearly labelled and stored in a separate cupboard, away from drinks and food and out of the reach of children, as poisoning was 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 in their home and 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.