Someone takes too much medicine. A child swallows cleaning product. An adult collapses after using drugs. What do you do? Call 911? Or poison control? The difference isn’t just a phone number-it’s life or death. And too many people get it wrong.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Get Worse
Many people think, "They’re fine now, I’ll wait and see." That’s the biggest mistake. Some poisons don’t show symptoms right away. A person might seem okay after swallowing pills, but their heart could stop in 30 minutes. Or their breathing could shut down while they’re asleep. You don’t have time to wait.Call 911 Immediately If Any of These Happen
If someone is unconscious, not breathing, having seizures, or their skin is blue or cold, call 911 right now. Don’t call poison control first. Don’t text a friend. Don’t Google it. Pick up the phone and dial 911.- They’re not waking up, even when you shake them or pinch their skin
- They’re gasping for air or not breathing at all
- Their body is shaking violently for more than 5 minutes
- Their lips or fingernails are turning blue or gray
- They have a very low heartbeat or their skin feels cold and clammy
These signs mean their body is failing. Emergency responders have oxygen, naloxone, IV fluids, and machines to keep them alive while they get to the hospital. Poison control can’t do any of that.
Also, if it’s a child under 1 year old or someone over 79, call 911 even if they seem okay. Their bodies process drugs differently. A dose that’s harmless to a healthy adult can kill them. Studies show these groups have 37% higher death rates from the same overdose.
Call Poison Control If They’re Stable
If the person is awake, breathing normally, and acting like themselves, poison control is the right call. They’re trained toxicologists who can tell you whether this is serious or not-and how to handle it safely at home.Examples where poison control is the best first step:
- Your toddler grabbed one pill from the bottle but seems fine
- You accidentally took two painkillers instead of one and feel a little dizzy
- You spilled bleach on your skin but rinsed it off right away
Poison control doesn’t send ambulances. They give you step-by-step instructions: "Watch for vomiting in the next hour," or "Give them water, but don’t make them throw up," or "Bring the bottle to the ER if they start feeling worse." They’ve handled over 2 million cases a year in the U.S. alone.
What Information to Have Ready
No matter who you call, you need to be ready with facts. Don’t guess. Don’t say "some pills." Say exactly what it was.Before you call, grab:
- The container or bottle (even if it’s empty)
- How much was taken (in milligrams or milliliters, not "a handful")
- When it happened (exact time, to the minute if possible)
- The person’s weight (in kilograms if you know it-most scales show both)
- Any symptoms they’re having, and when they started
For medications, the difference between immediate-release and extended-release matters. One pill of extended-release oxycodone can last 12 hours. If you take two, you’re not just doubling the dose-you’re flooding their system over time. Poison control knows this. You might not.
Opioid Overdose? Use Naloxone First, Then Call 911
If you suspect an opioid overdose-someone is unresponsive, breathing slowly or not at all, and their skin is pale-give naloxone if you have it. Then call 911 immediately.Naloxone (Narcan) can bring someone back from the edge. But it wears off in 30 to 90 minutes. Many synthetic opioids like fentanyl last much longer. If you don’t get medical help, they can stop breathing again. That’s why every single opioid overdose requires 911, even if naloxone works.
Some states have free naloxone hotlines. In New Mexico, the Narcan helpline reversed over 12,000 overdoses in 2022. If you don’t have it, call 911 anyway. Don’t wait to find one.
Why Poison Control Can’t Handle Everything
Poison control is not a substitute for emergency care. They’re consultants, not first responders. They can’t give IV medicine, intubate someone, or monitor heart rhythms. They can’t drive to your house.Emergency doctors see the aftermath of bad decisions. In 2023, a survey of 1,247 ER physicians found that 68% had treated patients who waited too long to call 911 because they called poison control first. Common mistakes:
- Calling poison control for a person with chest pain after taking blood pressure pills
- Trying to manage a child who swallowed a button battery (poison control says "watch," but it can burn through tissue in 2 hours)
- Waiting for symptoms to get worse before calling 911
Some drugs cause delayed collapse. Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers can look harmless at first-then suddenly stop the heart hours later. Poison control will warn you. But if you’re not watching closely, it’s too late.
Special Cases: Kids, Elderly, and Carbon Monoxide
Children under 6 make up nearly half of all poison control calls. But not all are equal. If your child swallows one clonidine pill (used for ADHD or high blood pressure), call 911. As little as 0.01 mg per kg can cause coma or heart failure. Same with sulfonylureas-diabetes pills that can drop blood sugar to deadly levels in minutes.For adults over 75, any overdose-even a single extra pill-needs emergency care. Most take five or more medications. A simple mix can cause dangerous interactions. A 2022 study found 83% of seniors over 75 take five or more drugs. Poison control can’t predict every combination.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is different. Even if someone feels fine after being in a stuffy room, call 911. Carbon monoxide damages the brain slowly. 43% of people who seem okay at first develop serious neurological problems days later. Poison control will tell you to get to a hospital. Don’t wait.
Online Tools Are Helpful-But Not Enough
There’s a website called webPOISONCONTROL and a mobile app. They can help you figure out if something is dangerous. But they’re not a replacement for a real person.They can’t handle:
- People who are already showing symptoms
- Multiple drug overdoses
- Intentional overdoses
- Children under 1 or adults over 79
And 18% of app users think they can handle serious cases on their own. That’s dangerous. The app gives advice, but it doesn’t know if your child is turning blue or if your parent is slipping into a coma.
Use the tool to get ready before you call. But if there’s any doubt, call 911.
What Happens After You Call?
If you call poison control, they’ll ask you questions, then give you a plan. Most of the time, you’ll be told to watch the person at home. They’ll tell you what symptoms to watch for, and when to go to the ER.If you call 911, paramedics will come. They’ll check vitals, give oxygen, administer naloxone if needed, and take them to the hospital. You’ll get updates. You’ll be asked for consent. You’ll be guided through what happens next.
Either way, you’re doing the right thing. You’re not panicking. You’re acting.
Bottom Line: When in Doubt, Call 911
Poison control is a lifesaver. But it’s not a substitute for emergency care. The rule is simple:If someone is not acting like themselves, is unresponsive, or has trouble breathing-call 911. Now.
If they’re awake, breathing normally, and you’re not sure if it’s serious-call poison control. 1-800-222-1222. It’s free. It’s confidential. It’s available 24/7.
Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait. Don’t assume it’s not a big deal. Your quick action can mean the difference between a scare and a funeral.
Can I just call poison control for any overdose?
No. If the person is unconscious, having seizures, struggling to breathe, or has blue skin, call 911 immediately. Poison control can’t provide life-saving treatment like oxygen, naloxone, or IV drugs. They guide you, but they can’t replace emergency responders.
What if I’m not sure if it’s an overdose?
Call poison control. They’re trained to assess risk based on what was taken, how much, and the person’s age and weight. Even if you’re wrong, it’s better to be safe. They’ve handled over 2 million cases a year and can tell you whether to wait, watch, or go to the hospital.
Is it safe to wait and see if someone gets worse?
No. Many poisons cause delayed, life-threatening effects. A person might seem fine for hours, then suddenly stop breathing. Opioids, antidepressants, and some blood pressure pills can act slowly. Waiting is the most common mistake that leads to death.
Should I make someone throw up if they swallowed something bad?
Never induce vomiting unless poison control tells you to. Some substances burn worse coming back up. Others can cause choking. Even baking soda or bleach can cause dangerous reactions if vomited. Always get expert advice first.
Do I need to bring the container to the hospital?
Yes. The exact name, strength, and formulation (like extended-release) matter. A 500mg ibuprofen tablet is different from a 500mg extended-release version. Emergency teams need that info to treat correctly. Even an empty bottle helps them identify what was taken.
Can poison control help if I don’t speak English?
Yes. The national Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) offers translation services in over 150 languages. While not all local centers have full-time interpreters for every language, the system connects you to a translator within seconds. Don’t hesitate to call-even if you’re not fluent.
What if I call 911 and it turns out to be nothing?
That’s okay. Emergency services are there for situations like this. It’s better to call and find out it’s a false alarm than to wait and regret it. Emergency responders see hundreds of false alarms every day-they’re used to it. Your call helps them stay alert for real emergencies.
What to Do Next
- Save 1-800-222-1222 in your phone as "Poison Control"- Keep a list of all medications your household takes, with dosages
- If you have opioids in the house, get naloxone (Narcan)-it’s available over the counter in most pharmacies
- Talk to your family about what to do in an emergency-don’t wait for a crisis to figure it out
- If you live with someone who uses drugs, learn the signs of overdose and how to use naloxone
You don’t need to be a doctor to save a life. You just need to act fast and know when to call the right person.
Juan Reibelo
January 24, 2026 AT 03:58Just read this after my cousin nearly died from mixing sleeping pills with wine. I called poison control first because I thought she was 'just drowsy.' She wasn't. I didn't know the difference between 'drowsy' and 'not breathing.' Now I keep Narcan in my glovebox. Don't be like me.
Tiffany Wagner
January 25, 2026 AT 04:32my grandma took an extra blood pressure pill last week and i called 911 right away even though she said she felt fine
they said she was lucky i did. turns out the levels were already dropping and her heart was starting to skip
poison control wouldve told me to watch but 911 got her to the hospital in 12 minutes
Darren Links
January 25, 2026 AT 06:39Why are we treating poison control like it’s some kind of miracle hotline? In 2023, the CDC reported over 10,000 deaths from poisoning in the US alone. Most of them happened because people called poison control instead of 911 when they should’ve known better. This article is just fear-mongering dressed up as public service. We don’t need more panic-we need better education. And no, I don’t trust the FDA’s poison control funding either.
Kevin Waters
January 26, 2026 AT 20:22As a paramedic for 14 years, I’ve seen this play out too many times. People call poison control for a child who swallowed a button battery because they 'don’t want to waste 911’s time.' Then we get a call 4 hours later when the kid’s esophagus is dissolving. Poison control is great for minor stuff, but if there’s ANY doubt-call 911. Always. I’ve saved lives by just showing up fast. Don’t overthink it. Call. Now.
Jamie Hooper
January 27, 2026 AT 06:03so i called poison control once bc my dog ate a chocolate bar and they were like 'oh yeah give him some water and watch' but then he threw up all over my couch and i was like... thanks for nothing
next time im calling 911 even if its my dog. if they can come for a cat stuck in a tree they can come for a poisoned pup