Many countries have a national poison information helpline. This helpline can assist in any case of bite or sting. These helplines provides a 24/7 assistance for telephonic toxicology consultation services. This service is free. Within the context of envenomation, it should be your first point of contact in your country in the following instances:
Note that this helpline can also assist for medical situations internationally. Data collected from this free service is used to shape and refine our understanding of bites and stings, of medical treatment, and the use of antivenom.
National poison information helplines in Southern Africa include:
As a patient or responder, if the medial treatment is not living up to expectations, then phone a poison information helpline and they can advice the medical staff at that facility. They can advise medical professionals on treatment as well as the use of antivenom and sourcing antivenom.
