# 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 call for non-life-threatening cases; 911 is for immediate life threat only

- **ID:** `emergency/poison-control-911`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 88%

## Root Cause

The AI overgeneralizes that all emergencies require 911, but poisoning cases often need specialized toxicology advice from Poison Control, which can provide antidote instructions and avoid unnecessary ER visits; 911 should only be called if the patient is unconscious, not breathing, or seizing.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| AAPCC Poison Help v2023 | active | — | — |
| CDC Poisoning Prevention v2.0 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) immediately. Have the substance name, amount ingested, time of ingestion, and patient's age/weight ready. Follow operator instructions. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.** (95% success)
   ```
   Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) immediately. Have the substance name, amount ingested, time of ingestion, and patient's age/weight ready. Follow operator instructions. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
   ```
2. **If the person is unconscious, having seizures, or not breathing, call 911 first. Provide the same information to the dispatcher, and then call Poison Control if advised.** (90% success)
   ```
   If the person is unconscious, having seizures, or not breathing, call 911 first. Provide the same information to the dispatcher, and then call Poison Control if advised.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Advising to call 911 immediately for any poison ingestion; this overwhelms EMS and delays specialized treatment, as 911 dispatchers may not have toxicology expertise (90% fail)
- **** — Suggesting to induce vomiting or give syrup of ipecac before calling; this is outdated and can worsen poisoning, and 911 dispatchers may not correct this (85% fail)
- **** — Recommending to call 911 and then Poison Control; this is inefficient and may cause confusion, as Poison Control can often resolve the case over the phone without an ambulance (75% fail)