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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any charge when calling
APC?
There is no cost to you when you call the Alabama Poison Center.
We recommend you call whenever you have questions. It is our
mission to help prevent poisonings and we welcome calls about
substances or plants that concern you.
What is done with all the
information I give the poison center?
A chart is made on all calls. All of the above information
obtained is entered into the chart along with treatment
recommendations from the Alabama Poison Center staff. Additional
information is charted as the Poison Center follows the
case until symptoms have resolved. All information
is confidential. Patient's names are given
out ONLY in the event of referral to the hospital, and then
ONLY to appropriate health care personnel.
How often will APC call me?
The number of times the Alabama Poison Center staff checks
back with a patient depends on both the type of exposure
and symptoms experienced as a result of the exposure. If
you are not home when APC calls, a message will be left
on your answering machine to return our call. It is the
intent of APC to follow all exposures until symptoms have
resolved or until the time period for symptoms to occur
has lapsed.
If an exposure has not occurred and you are inquiring
about poison prevention, no return call will be made.
Will APC call me back during
the night?
Because it is important to ensure the safety of patients
during times of an exposure to a potentially poisonous product,
calls to the Poison Center are followed up in a timely manner.
Sometimes this involves calling back during the night. Often
it is important that the parent or relative check on the
patient during the night to make sure no unexpected symptoms
have occurred.
Why might APC put me on hold?
APC has several incoming lines and receives calls from all
over the state. Sometimes it may be necessary to put a caller
on hold to answer another line. Another reason you might
be put on hold is when another call is determined to be
more serious than yours. APC staff make every effort to
obtain the necessary information and complete calls in a
timely fashion. You can assist the Alabama Poison Center
staff by being aware of the information that will be asked
and having the information available.
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