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Calling the APC
When you call the Alabama Poison Center, you will be speaking
to one of our staff who has an up-to-date list of ingredients
of most products. The Poison Center has access to information
on over 300,000 poisonous substances, and our data base is
updated every 3 months. A toxicologist or medical doctor is
on call at all times, and consultants in all areas of chemicals,
drugs, plants, etc. are available when needed. For poisonings
related to animals, a veterinary toxicologist is on call.
If an exposure has occurred, you will be advised on the
correct treatment. Many exposures can be treated at home.
However, if your exposure needs more extensive treatment
or evaluation, you will be referred to your doctor or hospital.
The Poison Center will call ahead with specific information
to assist with your medical care.
The Alabama Poison Center considers
every call important.
- We hope that you won't have a poison exposure, but if
you do, please call as soon as possible. The time between
an exposure and treatment can often save lives and reduce
symptoms.
- Even if you have followed the appropriate emergency
actions, you still need to call APC. Many exposures need
additional treatment to prevent further symptoms.
- Calling APC is important even if the person is not having
any symptoms. Some exposures, like ingestion of rat poison,
mushrooms, and some pain pill overdoses, do not cause
immediate symptoms, but still need emergency treatment
to prevent often life threatening conditions.
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