Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer treatment, preventive advice and information regarding potential poison hazards. 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. 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.