Calling the poison center could prevent many ER visits for young kids, research shows
About 65% of young children brought to New Jersey emergency departments for suspected poisoning probably didn't need emergency care and could have stayed home if their families had called poison control before rushing to the hospital, according to Rutgers researchers.
A Rutgers University study has found that about 65% of young children who visit New Jersey emergency departments for suspected poisoning may not require hospitalization, according to researchers. The study, published in Clinical Toxicology, examined 348 cases of children under six who were brought to emergency departments after a suspected poisoning.
However, when toxicologists reviewed these cases using only the information that could have been shared over the phone prior to the visit, they concluded that 38% of the children definitely did not need emergency evaluation, and an additional 27% likely did not. This finding remains consistent with a 1983 study, which also identified a significant proportion of unnecessary visits.
The researchers emphasized the need for increased awareness about the availability and accessibility of poison control centers, stating that a quick call could save considerable time, money, and stress while alleviating pressure on emergency departments. The poison center is available 24/7 and staffed by experts who can provide lifesaving information over the phone at no cost.
The study analyzed 1,436 cases reported to the New Jersey Poison Control Center in 2022, randomly selecting 348 cases for review by two toxicologists. The researchers calculated that routing avoidable cases to the phone line could save millions of dollars annually in the United States.
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