Poison

What to do when you call

Have the poison container with you when you call
Be prepared to answer important questions
Listen carefully to instructions
Ask the Information Specialist to repeat anything you don’t understand
Follow the Information Specialist’s advice

What to expect when you call

Information Specialists will want to know:

name
gender
weight
what was swallowed
how much was swallowed
information from the container label
if you’ve had anything to eat or drink since swallowing the poison

The Information Specialist will then recommend treatment such as basic first aid, home-based monitoring, or a referral for immediate medical attention.

Who answers your call?

An Information Specialist with extensive experience in toxicology, a nurse or pharmacist, takes your call. They use medical resources to provide you with the most up-to-date information, best treatment and recommendations in response to toxic exposures. Every poisoning situation is unique and dynamic, demanding intense intervention and follow-up best provided by poison specialists and toxicologists.