Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Kathy Jacobitz, Director, Jen Rhoda and Angie Pasho registered nurse educators were on island this past week to offer services on when it comes to poison exposure.

They are part of the Nebraska Regional Poison Center and they were hosted by Emergency Medical Services Chief Galumalemana Fuapopo Avegalio and Lata Allen with EMS- Children.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to visit your beautiful island of American Samoa.”

In a statement issued the nurses say they are part of a confidential service that is available 24/7 to provide immediate information for any type of poisoning exposure.

“A poison is anything that can cause harm in a person by way of swallowing, on the skin, in eyes or inhaled into the lungs. “The poison is in the dose, anything can be poison. 

“We are your immediate source for fast, expert advice, 24 hours a day, every day.

“This a free confidential service that is available to all families and healthcare providers.

“We have a language line with interpreters that is available for non-english speaking callers.

“When dealing with poisoning, time matters. Calling 1-800-222-1222 immediately can save a life.

“We are available to help assess the situation and provide treatment recommendations.

“We can manage most poisonings at home. Every call is important, confidentially and free.” Located in Nebraska, they are reaffirming that this service is also available to American Samoa as well as Wyoming, Idaho, and the Federated States of Micronesia. 

“Poisoning can occur through eyes, nose, skin, or lungs. So, when you call 1-800-222-1222, an experienced registered nurse will ask questions about how a person is doing, their age and the product or substances involved. If possible, please have the name of the medications or product container available when you call.”

For example, they received a call from American Samoa when someone had accidentally ingested bleach, and because they called them right away, they were able to provide home care advice, and avoid a visit to the hospital. 

“Another example, someone accidentally took their medication twice and we were able to assist them with home care. 

“We have free materials available by calling the Emergency Medical Services for children at 699-7002 or you can visit www.nebraskapoison.com for more information.”

They said over the past 4 years, the poison center assisted with 60 human poisoning exposures and answered an additional 21 poison related questions for a total of 81 calls.”

Some of the calls they received were cases involving bleach and other cleaning products, and pain medications.

Of interest: “The poison Center has resources available to help with Samoan medicinal plant questions and we also have resources available to help with jellyfish, stonefish, and other ocean related exposures.”