Poison control center
Poison Control Center
A Poison Control Center (PCC) (/ˈpɔɪzən kənˈtroʊl ˈsɛntər/) is a medical facility that is able to provide immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances.
Etymology
The term "Poison Control Center" originates from the English words "poison", "control", and "center". The word "poison" comes from the Old French poison, meaning "a deadly drink", while "control" is derived from the Middle French contreroller, meaning "to check or restrain". The term "center" comes from the Latin centrum, meaning "a point equidistant from all points on the perimeter of a circle or sphere".
Function
Poison Control Centers provide a critical service to the public, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and emergency departments. They offer expert advice and information on the management of exposures to a wide range of substances, including medications, chemicals, plants, and venoms.
Related Terms
- Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.
- Antidote: A substance that can counteract a form of poisoning.
- Toxin: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
- Overdose: The ingestion or application of a drug or other substance in quantities greater than are recommended.
See Also
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