The Pittsburgh Poison Center and its member hospital network

When a poison information call involves a case that requires medical intervention, the staff of poison information specialists refer the poisoned patient to the emergency department of the nearest member hospital. This regionalization of treatment involving poison exposures eliminates the necessity of having an emergent patient rushed long distances to receive prompt and effective care. Facsimile terminals provide an efficacious method of enhancing communication of toxicology information to our member hospital treatment centers. A poison center is able to electronically transmit copies of written documents such as newly published journal articles or treatment protocols directly to the emergency department of the treating hospital. In turn, the facsimile terminal can confidentially transmit a copy of a poisoned victim's emergency record to the poison center. Data collection and documentation is strengthened. Transmission and receiving is accomplished within minutes.