Suspected poisoning at home: who do you call in Quebec or Ontario?
If someone has collapsed, stopped breathing or is having a seizure, call 911 immediately. For a suspected exposure to medicine or a household chemical without those emergency signs, call the poison centre serving your province right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Quebec Poison Centre first aid · Ontario Poison Centre first aid
Which number applies where you are?
Save the number for your location
At a glance Location Poison-centre number If someone collapses, has a seizure or stops breathing Quebec 1-800-463-5060 911 first Ontario 1-800-268-9017 (Ontario Poison Centre; 1-844-POISON-X is also listed by the Canadian poison-centre association) 911 first
The Quebec Poison Centre and Ontario Poison Centre publish these numbers and offer around-the-clock telephone help. This is a provincial routing guide, not a treatment algorithm. If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 rather than choosing between centres.
What if someone swallowed a product?
Do not make the person vomit. Both the Quebec centre and the Ontario centre say this for swallowed poisons. The Quebec centre also cautions against trying to neutralize the product: milk is not an antidote. Call your province's centre immediately for instructions specific to the substance and exposure. Do not apply Ontario's water-to-drink instruction as a general Quebec rule; advice differs by situation.
What should you have ready for the call?
If you can do so without delaying the call, keep the container nearby. The Quebec centre asks about the person's condition, the product, possible amount and time of exposure, age and weight, and any first aid already given. It is fine if you do not know every answer: call anyway. Exposure may also involve eyes, skin or inhaled vapours; the centre can direct you for that particular route. Quebec centre: information for the nurse
After the emergency, general first-aid practice may help you feel more prepared. ActionBafoly's Basic/Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C course is a later training option, not poison-centre certification or a substitute for calling.