# AI tells a user to call 911 for a suspected poisoning, but the US Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) is the correct first contact for non-life-threatening cases

- **ID:** `emergency/911-usa-poison-control`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `POISON-CALL-ERR-006`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 88%

## Root Cause

The AI defaults to 911 for all emergencies, but for suspected poisonings (including medication errors, chemical exposures), Poison Control provides specialized toxicology guidance and may prevent unnecessary hospital visits.

## Workarounds

1. **Call 1-800-222-1222 (US Poison Control) immediately for any suspected poisoning. Provide substance, amount, time, and symptoms. They will advise if 911 is needed. Example: 'For a child who ate a few berries, call Poison Control first.'** (95% success)
   ```
   Call 1-800-222-1222 (US Poison Control) immediately for any suspected poisoning. Provide substance, amount, time, and symptoms. They will advise if 911 is needed. Example: 'For a child who ate a few berries, call Poison Control first.'
   ```
2. **Use the Poison Control online tool (www.poison.org/help) or app for triage; if symptoms are severe (unconscious, seizures, difficulty breathing), then call 911.** (85% success)
   ```
   Use the Poison Control online tool (www.poison.org/help) or app for triage; if symptoms are severe (unconscious, seizures, difficulty breathing), then call 911.
   ```
3. **Save Poison Control number in phone contacts and post near home phones; for pet poisonings, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435.** (90% success)
   ```
   Save Poison Control number in phone contacts and post near home phones; for pet poisonings, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — User calls 911 for a child who ingested a small amount of a non-toxic substance (e.g., silica gel), leading to unnecessary ambulance dispatch and ER visit. (90% fail)
- **** — User calls 911 for an adult with accidental medication overdose, but 911 dispatch may not have toxicology expertise; delays treatment. (70% fail)
- **** — User does not call Poison Control because AI says 911 is always best, missing the opportunity for immediate antidote guidance (e.g., activated charcoal). (80% fail)