Home | About | Calling the APC | Emergency | Seasonal
Kid's Page | Programs | Prevention | FAQ | Contact
 

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.

Related...

Know why it is important to call the Alabama Poison Center if you or someone is exposed to a possible poison.

Know what information to give the Alabama Poison Center when you call and why the information needed.


Don't wait for a poisoning to occur. Call the Alabama Poison Center for poison prevention information.

Prevention is the key!


Order your poison prevention material now and take an active role in poison prevention.

 

 

 

Home | About | Calling the APC | Emergency | Seasonal | Kid's Page | Programs | Prevention | FAQ | Contact