Poisoning Deaths not Reported to the Regional Poison Control Center

This study charaterized poisoning deaths in Rhode Island as recorded by 2 systems to determine the incidence of deaths not reported to the poison center. State medical examiner records were matched & compared to poison center cases during 1986-89 using a computerized program. Conclusions: the medical examiner’s office is a significant source of data regarding poisoning deaths, and, using deaths as the dependent measure, the poison center may be underutilized in severe poisoning cases. (11 refs.)