Poisons information centres

Poisons information centres in Australia offer advice on the risk assessment and management of suspected poisonings, including bites and other injuries by venomous animals. These centres are staffed by specialists in poisons information, and clinical toxicologists who offer specialised medical advice. They coordinate to provide services across Australia 24 hours a day—telephone 13 11 26.

When calling a poisons information centre, have the following information ready:

  • patient details—age, weight or size, sex, medical history, medication history
  • suspected exposure
    • drug or toxin—if possible, specify the exact name and spelling of the product and its active ingredients, and keep the product at hand or take a photograph
    • animal or plant—if possible, provide a specimen or take a photograph
    • possible co-ingestants
  • intent of the poisoning—accidental or unintentional poisoning, deliberate self-poisoning or nonaccidental injury
  • exposure details—time since exposure, route of exposure, dose (eg amount ingested)
  • immediate action taken by patient and others (eg relatives)
  • basic observations—heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score
  • clinical effects—symptoms, features of specific toxidromes (toxic syndromes)
  • results from investigations already done.