In the US, more than 72% of poison exposure cases are managed by phone, greatly reducing the need for costly emergency department and doctor visits.
[1][2] After World War II there was a proliferation of new drugs and chemicals in the marketplace, and consequently suicide and childhood poisonings from these agents drastically increased.
[4] In the United States during the 1930s, Louis Gdalman, a pharmacist knowledgeable in the chemistry of harmful substances, set up a poison information service at St. Luke's Hospital (Chicago, Illinois).
An additional part of the AAPCC's activities was poison prevention and education programs for both physicians and the general public.
The AACT's main objective was to apply principles of toxicology to patient treatment and improve the standard of care on a national basis.
[9] A 2019 study conducted for the AAPCC showed that every dollar invested in the poison center system saves $13.39 in health care costs and productivity.
[11] Based on age, weight, amount, route, symptom status and substance implicated, it provides case-specific guidance for poison exposures.
The webPOISONCONTROL application uses ingredient-based algorithms to generate a recommendation including whether an emergency department visit or call to poison control is required.
In England the National Poison Information Service was developed at Guy's Hospital under Dr Roy Goulding.
Lastly, the Antipoison Centre has a mission of toxicovigilance, meaning it warns relevant authorities (such as the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment or the FAMHP) about new and emerging risks of chemicals and pharmaceuticals involved in cases of poisoning.
The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) (National Institute of Health) is responsible for poison control in Italy.
[25] As with the webPOISONCONTROL system, this is a free-of-charge, fully confidential web application that enables medical professionals to quickly and efficiently assess the potential risks of (mixed) exposures, as well as their clinical signs and symptoms, and possible therapeutic interventions.
As with the other online options worldwide, it remains advisable to consult the NVIC if the exposure is to a larger number of substances.
[26] The poison control department in King Fahad Medical City provides its service for healthcare professionals 24/7 throughout the year.
[28] NPIS do not take calls from the general public,[29] who are instead advised to contact the non-emergency 111 number for specific information on poisons, or 999 in an emergency.