Health security

US model adapted by the National Poison Control Center ‘boosts saving of lives and money’

The National Poison Control Center  (NPCC) -- whose aim is to speed up treatment in the event of accidental poisoning and make it unnecessary to go to hospital emergency rooms if there is no danger -- now receives most of its queries from the public. In the past, it preferred to be consulted by physicians, but it recognized the importance of being available round the clock to people -- mostly parents -- who fear their child has swallowed something dangerous.