Good rule to follow – if you have anything medical going on, don’t Google it or rely on AI. This is doubly true when it comes to a potential poisoning.
The folks at the UVA Health Blue Ridge Poison Center sent out that friendly, life-saving reminder on Thursday, in conjunction with National Poison Prevention Week.
“Calls to the poison center are answered by healthcare providers specially trained to help in any poison emergency. They provide the calm, expert voice you can trust,” said Chris Holstege, the director of the Blue Ridge Poison Center, and himself a real person, not a bot trained on interwebs trash.
“That’s why this year’s theme for National Poison Prevention Week is: when the unexpected happens, we’re here for you,” Holstege said.
Free, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling the Poison Help Line at 800.222.1222.
Whatever poisoning issue people may face, nearly 90 percent of Blue Ridge Poison Center callers who are in their home when they call can get the help they need and remain at home – saving the cost of a trip to a healthcare professional or hospital.
A recent report released by America’s Poison Centers showed that poison centers save $3.1 billion each year in medical costs by enabling callers to address their issue at home.
Since the Blue Ridge Poison Center opened in 1978, it has helped over 1 million callers.
On average:
- Nine out of every 10 poisonings happen at home.
- The most common sources of poisoning are medicines, cleaning products, pesticides and other household chemical products.
- More than 4 out of every 10 poisonings occur in children under age 6.
- Most fatal poisonings occur among adults, not children.
- More than 3 out of every 10 callers are hospitals, pharmacies, first responders, nursing homes, school nurses and other healthcare facilities seeking advice in managing poisoned patients with complex medical issues.
Blue Ridge Poison Center staff also serve as researchers, educators and advocates for poisoning prevention throughout the region.
Visit their website for free educational resources, materials, or for more information: www.brpc.virginia.edu.
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Chris Graham
