What to Tell Poison Help When You Call: A Ready List
A ready list of what Poison Help (1-800-222-1222, US) will ask when you call about a swallowed herb, supplement, plant or medicine, so you can answer fast.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Call 911 first if the person has collapsed, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or cannot be woken. [1] Otherwise call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US). [2] Help is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day. [2] Do not induce vomiting. [1] If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, call or text 988. [3]
Do not wait for symptoms. Poison Control says to get help immediately and not to wait for symptoms to develop. [2] The NHS (UK) notes that symptoms may take a few hours or days to start. [4]
Why a ready list helps
The person who answers is a poison specialist. They use your answers to judge how serious the situation is, and then guide you through what to do. [2] You do not need to have everything. Call anyway, and answer what you can. Poison Control says: "Do not hesitate to call. There is no such thing as calling too often." [2]
Before you dial
- Bring the container to the phone if possible. [2]
- Stay with the person and keep checking that they are breathing. [4]
- If a plant or mushroom is involved, do not collect more of it yourself or taste it to check. Ask the specialist whether a sample or a photo is needed. [5] See Mushroom, plant and berry ingestions.
The ready list
| What they may ask | What to have or say | Source note |
|---|---|---|
| A quick overview | One or two sentences: who, what, when | Poison Control gives the example of describing a child who had a couple of pills in the mouth. [2] |
| Age of the person | Be exact | [2] |
| Symptoms now | Say at once if the person is unconscious or has difficulty breathing | [2] |
| Weight | Do not guess if you do not know; a scale may help | [2] |
| Health history | Medical problems, allergies and medicines the person takes | [2] |
| Exact product name | Read it from the label. This includes the name of an herbal or supplement product | [2] |
| Ingredients and strength | Look at the active ingredients on the label | [2] [6] |
| Size of the container | Even if it was not full; the specialist needs the full size | [2] |
| Time | When it happened and for how long | [2] |
| Amount | If known; do not estimate, guess or assume | [2] |
| Your details | Your name, relationship to the person and a return phone number, in case you are disconnected | [2] |
For a plant, MedlinePlus asks for the name of the plant, if known, along with the person's age, weight and condition, the time it was swallowed and the amount. [7] Do not guess at a name from memory or from an app; say what you do know and let the specialist guide you.
While you wait
- Do not make the person vomit. [1] [4]
- Follow the specialist's instructions, not advice from social media.
- If you go to hospital, take the container with you, if possible. [6]
Online help and other cases
Poison Control also has an online tool that gives recommendations based on age, substance, amount and symptoms. [1] It is not meant for self-harm and covers ages 6 months to 79 years. [1] If you are unsure, call.
Animal poison lines are separate from human poison centers, and the line named by Poison Control usually charges a fee. [2] See Pet and animal poisoning. Outside the US, see Poison help by country.
Related: Poisoning: what to do first, A child swallowed a supplement or natural product and Taking too much.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call for Poison Help in the US?
1-800-222-1222. Poison Control says the call is routed to the poison center for your area. [1] Call 911 for collapse, seizure, trouble breathing or if the person cannot be woken. [1]
Is the call free?
Yes. Poison Control says help is free and confidential and available 24 hours a day. [2]
What if I do not know how much was taken?
Say so. Poison Control asks for the amount if known and says not to estimate, guess or assume. [2]
Why do they want my phone number?
So they can call back if you are disconnected, and follow up with more information or guidance. [2]
Do I need to call if the person feels fine?
Poison Control says not to wait for symptoms. [2] The NHS says symptoms may take hours or days to start. [4]
References
- Poison Control (poison.org, US), Need immediate assistance. Read 2026-10-23.
- Poison Control (poison.org, US), Calling poison control. Read 2026-10-23.
- NIMH (US), Suicide Prevention (last reviewed August 2026). Read 2026-10-23.
- NHS (UK), Poisoning (page last reviewed 12 June 2025). Read 2026-10-23.
- UC Davis Health (US), What you need to know about wild mushroom poisoning (December 2025). Read 2026-10-23.
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Iron overdose (US NLM, reviewed 10/14/2025). Read 2026-10-23.
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Blue nightshade poisoning (US NLM, reviewed 10/14/2025). Read 2026-10-23.