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Poison Center Helpline 1-800-222-1222

For Healthcare Professionals 

Through our call center services, IPC supports healthcare professionals by helping improve outcomes of individuals exposed to a potentially harmful substance and decrease the number of unnecessary emergency department visits for non-toxic and minimally toxic exposures. Our goal is to allow for better use of healthcare resources.

With specially trained physicians, pharmacists and nurses, IPC is available to healthcare professionals 24/7 through our helpline, 1-800-222-1222. We provide specialized toxicology consultation services on cases involving toxic substances every day of the year.

As part of our educational mission, IPC educates practicing healthcare professionals, as well as those in training. IPC provides didactic and experiential education to pharmacy students, medical students, residents and fellows in conjunction with the Toxikon Consortium. Over 200 students and residents receive training through IPC each year, and hundreds of others benefit from lectures and presentations.

Throughout Illinois, pharmacy schools and nursing programs have accessed online education through the Poison Prevention Education Course and Resource Center. The course teaches all levels and types of healthcare workers (students and professionals):

  • How poison centers can help them professionally and personally
  • The importance of poison prevention

We encourage those in training to share what they learn through the course with their patients and customers to help reduce poisoning harm.

Practicing nurses, paramedics and EMTs can earn continuing education credit by taking the poison prevention course. Learn more about available continuing education credit and join IPC in our mission to enhance public health!

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Poison Center HelplineCalls are free and confidential.

  1. In Case of Emergency

    Call 911 if someone is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing.

  2. Remain Calm

    Most poison emergencies can be resolved quickly over the phone.

  3. Call the Helpline

    Call 1-800-222-1222 if you are concerned that you or someone else has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance.