Poison Control Centers: When to Call for Help

Facts you should know about poison control centers

The following information is from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).

The United States National Poison Hotline is 1-800-222-1222. When you call this number you will be automatically linked to the nearest poison center in the United States. Call this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to a poison expert.

First Aid Tips provided by AAPCC

Has the person collapsed or stopped breathing?

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Has the person swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine?

  • Call 1-800-222-1222

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

Because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be vague and nonspecific, the diagnosis may be missed or not suspected, particularly when vague, flu-like symptoms develop.

  • Headache,
  • dizziness, and
  • nausea are the most common symptoms.

Read more about signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning »

Has the person inhaled poison?

  • Get to fresh air right away.
  • Call 1-800-222-1222

Is there poison on the person's skin?

  • Take off any clothing that the poison touched.
  • Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Call 1-800-222-1222

Is there poison in the person's eyes?

  • Rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Call 1-800-222-1222

We recommend that you print out a hard copy of this number and place it near your home/business phone(s) for easy access in a poison emergency.

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