If you think your child or any person has swallowed or inserted a button battery, don’t wait for them to show symptoms, you need to take action.
Immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for expert advice on what to do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7). If the person is choking or has collapsed, stopped breathing, or is having a fit phone 000 for an ambulance.
The Poisons Information Centre will tell you what you need to do right now and which hospital you need to go to - to make sure that your child gets the appropriate medical assistance quickly.
Don’t induce vomiting or give the person anything to eat or drink unless advised by the Poisons Information Centre or other medical professional.
Severe injuries are less likely the older you are but you still need to ask the experts at the Poisons Information Centre what you need to do if an adult has swallowed or inserted a button battery.
Make sure the Poisons Information Centre phone number (13 11 26) is clearly visible on your home phone and stored in your mobile phone.
For more information about button batteries and how to make your home safe:
