Nurse Cautions against Using Palm Oil for Poison Ingestion

Grace Quarm, a registered nurse at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has issued a strong warning against using palm oil as a first aid measure to treat poison ingestion. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance in such cases.

Despite a common belief among some Ghanaians that palm oil can neutralize poison, Quarm cautioned that this practice can actually exacerbate the situation. Speaking on Adom TV on July 27, 2024, she explained the potential dangers associated with this traditional remedy.

“If children take palm oil and vomit after ingesting poisonous substances, it can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to breathing challenges,” Quarm stated. “We’ve had cases at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where a baby who ingested palm oil and then vomited experienced severe breathing difficulties. It is always best to seek prompt medical intervention.”

In addition to her warning about palm oil, Quarm addressed the practice of force-feeding babies and toddlers, a common custom in many African countries, including Ghana. She stressed the importance of proper feeding techniques to prevent choking hazards.

“I urge mothers, particularly grandmothers, to stop force-feeding babies and toddlers. This habit should be discontinued to ensure feeding time is happy and healthy,” Quarm advised. “Furthermore, mothers should not put babies to sleep immediately after feeding, as they can vomit and choke. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before laying the baby down, and it is better to place them on their sides instead of their backs to reduce the risk of vomiting.”

Grace Quarm’s advice highlights the need for safer and more effective practices in both emergency and everyday care for children, urging parents and caregivers to prioritize medical assistance and proper feeding techniques.