Computers and phones bring information to anyone asking in seconds. There are many reasons that the Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) is relevant.
Real Live Humans answer the phone. The line is answered by a trained nurse or pharmacist. They can take in the age of the person afflicted, the weight, the type of poison and the amount of poison taken. It would take many searches to determine all of this on the internet. Time is of the essence in any poisoning situation. This is often a stressful time for the person that is calling poison control. Talking to a trained person helps take the error out of determining if the internet is actually accurate.
Calling the Poison Control Hotline can be very helpful. Per their website: website: 68% of poisonings can be handled without medical intervention. At home treatment in two out of three calls made to the Poison Control Hotline.
Overdosing on prescription medications is very common. This is the leading cause of death in 25-64 year olds. More people in this age range die from abusing prescription drugs than from motor vehicle accidents, illegal drugs or firearms.
Poison control can help with carbon monoxide poisoning. They are experienced with intentional overdosing by a person attempting suicide. They can give advice on what to do if a person swallows a battery. They handle more than just the chemicals that might be found under a kitchen sink.
The Poison Control Hotline handles about four calls a minute, if you think they might be able to help they probably can. Almost half of the calls are for children under six years old. Be safe. Have this number programmed in your mobile phone, and posted near your land line phone. You can reach the Poison Control Hotline 1-800-222-1222.