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Information to Have When Calling the Poison
Center
What kind of questions will I
be asked?
The Poison Center staff will need to ask you several questions.
Information obtained from you will be used to determine the
severity of the exposure. Some of the questions you will be
asked include:
Your Name and Phone Number
- This information is needed so APC can check back on the
exposure, or if we are disconnected for any reason. The
Name and Phone Number of the Patient - The name of the person
exposed to a poison is important when we check back about
the exposure or if the APC refers the person to the hospital.
In situations where a person is referred to the hospital,
APC will call the hospital with information about the exposure
and treatment recommendations.
The Patient's Age and
Weight - Many accidental exposures
are not life threatening and can be treated at home. The
Poison Center staff needs the patient'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.
The Patient's Medical
Condition - Preexisting health conditions
and medications that the patient 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.
Exact Name of the Product
- 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:
- The exact strength of the product
- The size of the product container
- The amount of product involved in the exposure
When the Exposure Occurred
and How Long it Lasted - 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 Patient's Present Condition - Symptoms that the patient
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 Alabama Poison Center gets calls from paramedics traveling
to or at the scene of an exposure. The Poison Center serves
as a link between the emergency medical team and the health
care facility.
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