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The media's influence on a poison center's call volume
R Mrvos1, D Walters, E P Krenzelok
1Pittsburgh Poison Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|October 6, 1999
Summary
Sudden public health alerts, like asbestos-contaminated food recalls, can overwhelm poison centers (PCs). Strategic communication is vital to manage call volume and ensure public safety during emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Toxicology
- Emergency Management
Background:
- Poison centers (PCs) face unpredictable call volume surges during public health emergencies.
- Product recalls can cause significant, rapid increases in calls, potentially overwhelming resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of a specific product recall on a Regional Poison Information Center (RPIC) call volume.
- To correlate media coverage of a health hazard alert with PC call patterns.
- To inform strategies for managing PC resources during public health crises.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed 5-day call data for an asbestos-contaminated food recall.
- Correlated RPIC call times with media broadcast times (TV, radio, print).
- Tabulated call volume and percentage related to the recall.
Main Results:
- 86.2% of 487 recall-related calls occurred within 33 hours of initial media reports.
- Recall calls constituted 52.7% of total RPIC volume during the 33-hour peak.
- Intensive media coverage (33 broadcasts, 2 print stories) correlated with call surge.
Conclusions:
- Sudden public health alerts can critically impact PC operations.
- Coordinated communication strategies are essential to mitigate call volume surges.
- Promoting balanced information can reduce adverse effects on PCs during emergencies.