CALLING THE
POISON CENTER
CALL THE POISON CENTER
1-800-222-1222
The Alabama Poison Center I 2503 Phoenix Drive I Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 I FAX 205-345-7189
When you call the Alabama Poison Center, you will be asked several questions to understand
the situation you are calling about, give information requested and make appropriate
recommendations.
The name, phone number and zip code of all callers is needed so that we can have a record
of calls coming into the Poison Center.
If an exposure has occurred, then additional information is needed. You will be asked:
The Alabama Poison Center
website is NOT a substitute
for talking to a trained
Poison Specialist.
In the case of an exposure
to a poisonous substance
you should ALWAYS contact
your regional poison center
by calling 1-800-222-1222.
If someone won’t wake up,
is having a seizure or not
breathing call 911.
Name and
Phone
Number -
• The name of the person exposed to a poison is important
because the Poison Center will need to check back
about the exposure or notify the hospital if the Poison
Center recommends hospital evaluation and treatment.
• If a person is referred to the hospital, the Poison Center
will call the hospital with information about the exposure
along with treatment recommendations.
• The Poison Center staff needs the person's weight to
calculate the severity of the exposure and determine the
appropriate treatment.
• Age is important because the safe level of many
overdoses varies with age.
• Children and the elderly are the most susceptible
groups to medication overdoses.
• Age is also important in determining the most
appropriate treatment.
• Preexisting health conditions and medications that the
person is taking routinely can influence the
recommended treatment.
• Past allergic reactions also are important for the Poison
Center staff to know in order to make appropriate
treatment recommendations.
• Many household and yard products have similar actions
but different active ingredients.
• The active ingredient is important for the Poison Center
staff to know in order to make appropriate treatment
recommendations.
• The same is true for medications. Many medications
have several strengths. The exact strength of the
medication is essential.
• Therefore, you will be asked to verify on the container
label the following information to assist in calculating
the severity of the exposure:
• Reactions to some products occur immediately, while
others do not occur for several hours or days.
• The time and extent of the exposure is important in
determining necessary treatment.
• The Person's Present Condition - Symptoms that the
person is experiencing as a result of the exposure are
vital in determining the appropriate type of treatment
needed.
• If the patient is unconscious or having difficulty
breathing, let the Poison Center staff know immediately.
You will be advised to call 911 or get immediate medical
attention.
• The Poison Center gets calls from paramedics traveling
to or at the scene of an exposure and serves as a link
between the emergency medical team and the health
care facility.
When the
Exposure
Occurred,
Symptoms and
How Long
These Lasted -
Exact Name of
the Product -
Medical
Condition -
Age and
Weight -
- The exact strength of the product
- The size of the product container
- The amount of product involved in the exposure
Amount of
Product Spilled -
• The amount of the product spilled is important in
determining how much the person may have been
exposed to.
• Therefore, estimate the amount of the spill BEFORE
cleaning it up.
• Also estimate the amount spilled on clothes.
