When to call the Poison Control Center, and when to call 911

Both resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

When to call 911

Call 911 if a person stops breathing, collapses, or has a seizure.

These are signs of an emergency in which the victim needs emergency medical help immediately.

When to call the MA & RI Poison Center

• If someone may have been poisoned and the person has NOT stopped breathing, collapsed, or had a seizure (if the victim DOES stop breathing, collapses, or has a seizure, call 911 right away)
• If you’re concerned about a possible poisoning
• To ask a poison prevention question
• To ask for poison prevention materials

If you match any of the criteria above, please call Poison Helpline 1-[phone] right away.

When you call the MA & RI Poison Center:

• Do not wait for the victim to look or feel sick
• Do not treat the person yourself (especially, DO NOT treat with ipecac syrup, milk, or try and make the person throw up)
• Be ready to provide information on the victim and the possible poisoning. Remain on the phone and follow instructions from the emergency operator.

What the Poison Center will ask you  Poison prevention tips  Resources from the MA & RI Poison Center