Poison Emergency Telephone Service

The Georgia Poison Center (GPC) operates 24-hour a day 7 days per week emergency telephone information service providing safe and effective poisoning treatment advice for human and animal poisonings.  The GPC also provides information on the safe use, storage and disposal of potentially dangerous substances.

The GPC emergency telephone information service offers translation services in more than 140 languages through the AT&T Language Line ® and can be reached:

• Toll free at 1-800-222-1222 or via a local number 404-616-9000

• Teletype line for the deaf and hearing impaired (TDD) 404-616-9287

Dedicated Phone Staff

The 24-hour phone lines are answered by highly trained Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs), mostly registered nurses and pharmacists, and Poison Information Providers (PIPs).  They gather information from the caller about the poisoning and the victim, assess the severity of the exposure, and provide treatment recommendations, including referral to a health care facility if necessary.    They also provide poison prevention information to the caller to reduce the likelihood of future exposures.  Most of the SPIs have continued their studies and completed the American Association of Poison Control Center certification exam to become Certified Specialists in Poison Information (CSPIs).  In addition, board certified medical toxicologists are on call 24-hours a day for additional back-up.  To assist with the provision of treatment advice, the GPC Specialists have access to comprehensive, up-to-date computerized toxicology information resources including: POISONDEX®, Tomes®, Tomes Plus® and Identidex®.  In addition, the GPC houses an extensive library of medical toxicology books and research literature.