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What is a poison? |
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A
poison is any potentially harmful substance taken into, or applied to the body.
This includes exposure by ingestion, inhalation, injection, and
through
the skin or eye.
Almost any substance may be poisonous if you come into contact
with excessive quantities. Exposure to poisonous substances can result immediately in toxic
effects, or the results of the exposure can be delayed for hours or
days. The effects can be temporary or may, in some cases be more
permanent.
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What are some common poisons? |
The
most common substances involved in accidental poisonings in children
include common household products, cleaning products, over-the-counter
and prescription medicines, vitamins, personal care products,
plants and berries. Poisonings can also result from exposure to gases
(carbon monoxide), improperly prepared or stored food, and to insect/animal bites or stings.
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When should I induce vomiting? |
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You
should ALWAYS consult your physician or the Poison Center to
determine if vomiting is necessary and/or safe. We
recommend that you keep one bottle of syrup of
ipecac per
child in your home.
Ipecac can be purchased at your local pharmacy.
This product is a safe and effective way to make your child vomit
if used appropriately.
It may be dangerous if used in some instances, as it may not be
recommended for the
specific type of poison your child has ingested. Other home remedies SHOULD NEVER BE USED for making your child vomit. This includes mustard, salt water or sticking your finger or other
objects in the child's throat. These methods are considered dangerous. ALWAYS call
the Poison Center or your physician prior to making your child vomit.
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What if I suspect someone has been poisoned?
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If
you suspect you or someone else has been poisoned, call the Poison Center at
1-800-222-1222.
This number will work anywhere in the United States.
Your call will be directed to the
Poison Center covering the area from which you are calling.
The
poison center specialists are trained to assess and make decisions on the
best care for your situation.
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What can I expect when I call the poison center? |
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You
can expect to speak to a health care professional trained to assist
you with your specific poisoning question or problem.
The staff will ask you for some very specific information regarding
your emergency.
This is so they can accurately assess your situation and provide you
with information you will need to know about your potential poisoning emergency.
The majority of our callers are comforted by our assurance that they have
had a "non-toxic exposure."
Some of the information that the
poison specialist will need will be the
name of the substance involved, age of the patient, and some demographic
information, such as your county and zip code.
Once the specialist has gathered all of the information, you will
be instructed on what to do about your situation.
This may include anything from "just relax" or drinking water,
to
perhaps going to your local emergency department.
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| Who
will I speak to when I call the poison center? |
The Florida Poison
Information Center/Jacksonville is staffed by specially trained
nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants and physicians who undergo
intense training in toxicology and poison management. These
individuals, called "Specialists in Poison Information," must sit for and pass a national certification examination
administered by the American Association
of Poison Control Centers to become nationally certified.
In addition, the Center has three board-certified toxicologists on
call 24 hours a day to assist the Specialists or other health care
practitioners in the assessment and management of poisonings and
toxic exposures. The person answering your call IS NOT an operator. Rather, they are highly trained and skilled
health care practitioners.
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I always get FPIC/Jax when I dial the nationwide number
(1-800-222-1222)? |
In January 2002, all the
poison centers in the U.S., along with the American
Association of Poison Control Centers, initiated a single
nationwide toll-free hotline to replace the multitude of
different numbers used by each state. This new number can now
be used in any State or Territory within the U.S. When dialed,
your call will be automatically directed to the poison center
covering your geographic area. If you call this number from
within the FPIC/Jax
calling area, you will consistently get our Center. If you
are outside our geographic area, you will be speaking to another of
the nation's poison centers. If for some reason you feel you
must speak to us only in an emergency, then you can use our
direct dial emergency number 904-244-4480 (toll charges will apply).
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