AI told you what?

You accidentally spill your bottle of ibuprofen. You thought you got them all off the floor, but you spot your 2-year-old picking one up and popping it in his mouth, swallowing faster than you could get there.

So, you immediately Google, “My child ate ibuprofen.” The first thing on the page is: “AI Overview: If a child swallows ibuprofen tablets, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222, or contact your pediatrician, or call 911 if the child shows severe symptoms.” The poison center’s phone number contains a link to dial directly.

This is great news for us at the poison center. It means people are calling us instead of taking advice from the internet that may or may not be accurate. It’s good news for them, too – we can guide them through what do and usually keep them home from the doctor or hospital. But, not surprisingly, our case volume has skyrocketed—from an average of 182 per day last year to 230 per day this year.

Our team of poison specialists is fantastic and working hard to sustain our level of service. However, to meet the growing need, we’re working to expand by hiring two more pharmacists who will be trained extensively in poison information and toxicology.

With our public funding levels in jeopardy, we’re working hard to increase support from community sources: foundations, corporations, and people like you! If you’d like to contribute, click here.

As always, call us at 1-800-222-1222 with any situations or questions involving a toxic substance or drug. We’re real, understanding people at the end of the line, ready with expert guidance!