The number of calls to 145 for cases of poisoning increased by 1.7% in 2023, Tox Info Suisse indicated on Tuesday. At 145, individuals and health professionals obtain telephone advice in the event of poisoning 24 hours a day.
95% of the 113 calls per day recorded on average for 2023 concerned humans, 5% related to poisoning in other animal species, specifies the annual report from Tox Info Suisse. 70% of requests came from the general public, 20% came from health professionals and 9% from other authorities.
Majority of requests for children
53% of all advice requests concern children and adolescents under 16 years old. Of this percentage, 79% are linked to children under 5 years old. The male gender is slightly predominant among children (51%). Among adults, the female sex clearly predominates (58%).
Most accidental poisonings (81% of calls) take place at home. In the case of intentional poisonings (14% of requests), the majority occurs in the context of suicide attempts.
Medicines and household products
Medicines and household products caused nearly 60% of poisonings. The 225 serious poisonings were mainly caused by medications (72%), but also by pleasure products, drugs and alcohol (14%).
A total of 7 deaths were reported, all among adults. Four were due to medications, two to chemicals and one to drugs.
Uncertain future
The increase in calls shows that the advice provided by Tox Info Suisse in cases of poisoning clearly corresponds to a need, notes the foundation. “This is why it is all the more disappointing that it has still not been possible to ensure the future financing of this emergency number,” she wrote. Thus, the foundation must continue to draw on its reserves, even though they will run out in the short term.
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