It is important for EMS to know when to call the poison center as oftentimes, such a call can save lives, prevent unnecessary emergency department visits, and fast-track treatment. The tips below provide a general guideline of situations which warrant a call to the Missouri Poison Center. For more information, contact one of our Professional Education consultants regarding a free educational session.
EMS can call the Poison Center for:
- Overdoses
- Unintentional poisonings
- Pill identification
- Treatment advice
- Possible symptoms
- Advice on when to transport
- Antidote information and coordination
- Contact receiving hospital
- Hazardous materials
- Reporting a poisoning
- Information on trends of abuse
Education Opportunities
The Missouri Poison Center offers various 1 to 2 hour education presentations for Emergency Medical Services. Education sessions range from introduction to the poison center, trends in drug abuse, seasonal hazards/exposures, psychiatric medications, to drugs commonly used to overdose. There is no charge for a presentation.
Introduction to the Poison Center Outline
- Welcome and introductions
- Management of the poisoned patient
- Toxidromes: syndromes caused by a dangerous level of toxins in the body
- Red flags – poisons that you should pay attention to, need treatment and transport via EMS.
- Outdated antidotes and dangerous first aid
- The shrinking role of Gastric Decontamination
