Description
The Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC) has information on what to do when someone has been poisoned, overdosed or made a mistake with their medication. VPIC can also help if someone has been bitten or stung by marine animals (such as jellyfish), snakes, spiders or insects (such as bees or wasps). When you call the VPIC, trained staff will give you first aid information, tell you if you need to call an ambulance or they may refer you to a doctor for treatment.
Services provided
- Telephone helpline
- Health information
- Emergency advice
- Health service referral
- Poisons information
Eligibility
Available to anyone in Victoria.
How to access
Call 13 11 26.
Visit the Poisons Information .
The National Relay Service is available to help callers who are d/Deaf, or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS is available (24 hours, 7 days) for callers who speak other languages. Call 131 450.
Costs
Calls are free from landlines.
Calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate.
Tip
The VPIC also has information about hazardous chemicals and other products.
Important
- In an emergency, call triple zero (000). Do not call the VPIC in emergency situations where the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a fit or has had an anaphylactic shock.
- Call the VPIC if you think someone has been poisoned, taken the wrong medication or the wrong dose or been bitten or stung by a marine animal, spider, snake or insect.
- Poisoning may also occur when a person swallows (or has contact with) chemicals, plants, pesticides and other products (such as paints or laundry products).
- Your conversation with the VPIC is confidential and they do not keep a register of people who have called.
Complaints
- Austin Health (Centre for Patient , call (03) 9496 3565.
- Health Complaints , Complaints and Information, call 1300 582 113