Poison Control is awesome!

[Anonymous]

Another post got me thinking about my experience with Poison Control. They were so amazing and we are so lucky to have that resource available to us--for free!
What was your experience with Poison Control?

We were so careful in the house with dangerous items. Then my newly walking toddler found a mushroom in our yard and put it in his mouth---AAAAAHHHHHHH!! Cue the freak out. Immediately called PC and they were so calm. I sent a picture of the mushroom. They said it didn't look poisonous and to watch DS for reactions. The next day they called back to make sure everything was okay.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it is awesome! I had to use the poison control number several times. Recently I found out there is one for pets too. It is not free but some microchipping packages have it included so it will be free for those owners.

[Anonymous]

Agreed. They're awesome. And I've never been put on hold. My 1 year old ate a Fels Naptha soap bar the other day so I called (no issues).

If only we could put those people in charge of the DMV

[Anonymous]

Fortunately, my kids have aged past the time that I had to call poison control a lot- but I had them on speed dial. They are a wonderful resource. They answer quickly, and give good reasonable advice- its not just 'go to the ER.'

[Anonymous]

Radiolab did a really interesting podcast on poison control https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/poison-control

[Anonymous]

I have had all wonderful experiences with them as well. Their people are well trained.

[Anonymous]

They are-- once my kid ate a few extra gummy vitamins (up high, not locked). They were reassuring and gently explained that there are far more injuries from tenacious kids trying to reach forbidden items than from the items themselves-- I went right out and bought a lock box.

[Anonymous]

Yes! They’ve always been responsive.

I’ve always wondered does poison control tally who calls or report calls to cps? How do they ensure it’s not a larger issue or determine if the caller has called too frequently etc...

[Anonymous]

Had to call when my toddler son chew through a glow stick and his whole mouth was glowing bright green. They were awesome.

Ps - they are nonpoisonous.

[Anonymous]

My niece swallowed a small magnet. My SIL called the poison control and they said to take her to the ER. While she was on the phone with poison control, my brother talked to their Pediatrician. The Pediatrician said they could wait on the ER and gave them the list of symptoms to look for. They did not take my niece to the ER. Poison Control called back and got upset that they had not taken the niece to th ER. Poison control reported them to the Police for child endangerment. The police arrived at the house several hours later and required that they see and talk to my niece. So she had to be woken up so the Police could confirm that she was ok. The next day a Social Worker showed up. It took 2 weeks to clear the entire situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes! They’ve always been responsive.

I’ve always wondered does poison control tally who calls or report calls to cps? How do they ensure it’s not a larger issue or determine if the caller has called too frequently etc...

They don't report anything to CPS.


https://www.miamiherald.com/living/health-fitness/article65660252.html

? Myth: Calling poison control can get you in trouble with child protective services.

Fact: A call to any poison control center is completely confidential because it is covered under the 1996 Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Poison centers do not share your personal information with police or child protective services.

Tip: Most poisonings are accidents and are not an indication of abuse or neglect, so parents shouldn’t feel guilty or scared to seek help.

[Anonymous]

Yes, they're great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My niece swallowed a small magnet. My SIL called the poison control and they said to take her to the ER. While she was on the phone with poison control, my brother talked to their Pediatrician. The Pediatrician said they could wait on the ER and gave them the list of symptoms to look for. They did not take my niece to the ER. Poison Control called back and got upset that they had not taken the niece to th ER. Poison control reported them to the Police for child endangerment. The police arrived at the house several hours later and required that they see and talk to my niece. So she had to be woken up so the Police could confirm that she was ok. The next day a Social Worker showed up. It took 2 weeks to clear the entire situation.

How would poison control know she wasn't taken to the ER?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My niece swallowed a small magnet. My SIL called the poison control and they said to take her to the ER. While she was on the phone with poison control, my brother talked to their Pediatrician. The Pediatrician said they could wait on the ER and gave them the list of symptoms to look for. They did not take my niece to the ER. Poison Control called back and got upset that they had not taken the niece to th ER. Poison control reported them to the Police for child endangerment. The police arrived at the house several hours later and required that they see and talk to my niece. So she had to be woken up so the Police could confirm that she was ok. The next day a Social Worker showed up. It took 2 weeks to clear the entire situation.

How would poison control know she wasn't taken to the ER?

NP here. I assume that when poison control called back, they asked the parents if she'd been taken to the ER and the parents said no. In my experience, having called poison control several times, they always call back to check up on the situation and to see how the kid is doing.

And, having called pet poison control as well, they did not call back and follow up. There are several pet poison control numbers and they cost different amounts. I think the one we used was $49.

[Anonymous]

My son picked up one of those clear, plastic ant bait traps my employer put on the kitchen floor in the corner. It was clear so I didn't know it was there. When I saw it in his mouth, I freaked out and called Poison Control. They were so calm and patient.