Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Poison Emergency & Prevention

U.S. Poison Control Centers

If you or your child has a poison emergency or you have a question about poisons and you are in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. This 24/7 toll-free number will connect you with a poison control center in your state. If your child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 9-1-1.

Poison Prevention

Store Poisons Safely

Store medicines and household products locked up, where children cannot see or reach them. Store poisons in their original containers and use child-resistant packaging.

Use Poisons Safely

Read the label and follow all the directions on medicines and products. If children are around, take the product or medicine with you to answer the door or phone. Lock products and medicine up after using them.

Is it medicine? Call it medicine, not candy! Children learn by imitation. Take your medicines when children can't watch.

Teach Children to Ask First

Poisons can look like food or drink. Teach children to ask an adult before eating or drinking anything.

Emergency Referral Services

Providers can arrange for transfer by contacting the Transfer Referral Center:
216-844-PEDS or 1-800-421-9199

Pediatric Emergency Department:
216-844-1644

Inpatient information:
216-844-3911

Call 9-1-1 for Emergencies

If there is a medical emergency, always dial 9-1-1.

The UH Rainbow Level I Pediatric Trauma Center is recognized as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), reserved for hospitals that meet the highest standards for quality care, safety, staffing, training, data collection and infrastructure. This quality indicator means that we are focused to prevent complications, hold down costs and improve patient outcomes.