You can expect the information specialist answering the phone to ask many questions. Most callers are very anxious when calling about potential poisonings. The specialist will try to calm the caller down and at the same time will be trying to obtain pertinent information about the exposure. The specialist must obtain a thorough and accurate history of what occurred to determine the severity of the exposure. If there is a medication or chemical involved, you will be asked to bring the container to the phone. The specialists will ask you to read the exact name of the product, how much the bottle or container holds and may have to review the ingredients listed on the product. These are some of the questions you could be asked:

• How much of the product was ingested or spilled?

• What time the exposure occurred?

• How long the exposure lasted?

• Are there any symptoms?

• What have you done so far?

• What is the victim’s name, age, weight, general health and what other medications are they   taking regularly?

• What is the caller’s name, relationship to the patient?

• What city, zip code, and county are you calling from?

• What is your telephone number in case we need get back in touch?

• What is the name of the closest health care facility (if referral for further treatment is needed)? This provides continuity of care, allows the specialist to follow the patient at the health care facility and assist the health care professionals with the recommended treatment.

Sometimes, when you are anxious and wondering if you or your loved one has been severely poisoned, the many questions asked seem like a waste of crucial time. The specialist needs this vital information to determine the potential for toxicity and the possibility that symptoms may develop. At times, the specialist will need to calculate the amount of a medication or chemical which may be toxic to the individual. Knowing your child’s weight and how much medication was in the bottle prior to the exposure is very important. The specialist will sometimes act as a detective helping you to determine how much of a medication or chemical could have been ingested if not readily known.

All calls at the FPIC/Jax are recorded, but they are also confidential. A medical record is made for each case reported to the poison center, just as your family physician would do for an office visit. Helping someone in a time of need and crisis is the main concern at FPIC/Jax. When callers refuse to provide the specialist with important information concerning the exposure and for following up, the caller will be referred to a health care facility.

For Poisoning Emergencies Call
1-800-222-1222 V/TTY