From Opioids To Silica Gel: Interactive Online Tool Provides Immediate Advice For Poison-Related Emergencies

https://goo.gl/kDv2PT

The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) has launched a new interactive online tool, www.poisonhelp.org, to provide quick, expertly vetted answers to questions about poisoning -- the leading cause of injury-related death in America. This alarming trend of poison-related deaths and injuries – especially in children – is directly linked to the increased prevalence and use of opioids and other prescription pain relievers, coupled with emerging poisoning hazards such as marijuana edibles, liquid nicotine, and single use laundry detergent packets increasingly found in homes, nationwide.

Now more than ever, Americans need immediate access to a credible source of poisoning information and treatment advice—in a poisoning emergency, every second counts. The new tool provides critical, lifesaving poison information from any computer or smart device. The nation's 55 poison control centers, collectively known as "poison control," are staffed by specially-trained physicians, pharmacists, and nurses who are experts in toxicology, poisoning information, prevention, and treatment—many of these same experts created and vetted the new online tool. Now, free, confidential "poison control" can be easily accessed by:

  • CALLING 1 (800) 222-1222, the national Poison Help hotline
  • VISITING www.poisonhelp.org, AAPCC's new interactive online poison information tool; no app download necessary

Additionally, AAPCC has made it even easier to have the poison control experts at your fingertips.  TEXT "poison" to 797979, and add poison control contact information – the online tool and the hotline – to your smartphone.  AAPCC advises that this is the best way to be prepared in the event of a potential poisoning emergency.