We provide timely and up-to-date information to the general public and healthcare professionals to help manage poisonings or suspected poisonings.
Our services
Fast poisoning advice 24 hours, 7 days a week, from anywhere in Australia.
What happens when you call the Poisons Centre?
When you call us on 13 11 26, we will ask questions about the poisoning situation. This helps us assess the risk and give the right advice.
We may ask about:
- what happened
- when the exposure occurred
- the product or substance involved
- any symptoms so far.
Based on this information, we may:
- give first aid advice
- explain possible symptoms
- advise you to see a doctor or go to hospital.
In some cases, we may arrange a follow-up call. We may ask for your phone number and postcode so we can contact you if needed.
You can print or order our poisoning prevention fact sheet and sticker to keep handy.
For health professionals
If you call us on 13 11 26, we’ll help you to manage a poisoned patient. We can provide advice about product ingredients and strengths, and poisoning first aid. We often offer advice to paramedics, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
Our aim
If you’ve been poisoned, it's our aim to make sure you get fast and effective treatment. We’ll also talk to you about the poisoning situation to help ease your concerns.
We also work with other agencies involved in health promotion.
Our staff
Our clinical pharmacists answer all calls and have specific training in:
- the harmful effects of poisons
- assessing poisoning risk
- telling you about poisons.
We also use a range of experts who can offer additional advice in complex cases.
Privacy
We handle personal information in line with the Information Privacy Act 2009.
Your personal information is stored securely and will not be shared without your consent unless required by law.
We may use de-identified information for quality improvement, research and reporting.
To find out what information we hold email: Poisons.Info@health.qld.gov.au or how to access these records, contact Health Information Access via CHQ_HIA@health.qld.gov.au.