The National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) is a organisation that provides advice on the management of poisoning cases to healthcare professionals. The service is available 24/7 and is typically accessed via telephone.
This organisation handles a wide range of poisoning cases, including accidental and intentional overdoses, environmental toxins, and occupational exposures. Its expertise is in managing risks and treatment strategies for various toxins, including medications, household products, industrial chemicals, and even biological toxins from plants and animals.
The service also plays a significant role in public health and preventive medicine, working alongside other agencies to monitor poisoning trends and developing guidelines for preventing future poisoning incidents.
In an emergency, members of the public should always contact their general practitioners, NHS 111 Service or local A&E department.
If your casualty has collapsed, or is not breathing properly, you must call for an ambulance immediately, by dialling 999, and then carry out your basic life support treatment.
The NPIS does not provide poisons information directly to members of the public. Therefore, for routine poisons advice you should contact your general practitioner or telephone the NHS 111 service.