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Warning-sign checks

Carbon monoxide poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    After emergency treatment, follow the discharge plan and attend any recommended visits with primary care, cardiology, neurology, obstetrics, occupational medicine, or another specialist.

    Call emergency services for fainting, a seizure, severe confusion, new weakness, trouble speaking, chest pain, major breathing difficulty, or inability to wake the person.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Report these changes promptly, especially if they appear after a symptom-free period.

    Persistent chest discomfort, unusual shortness of breath, palpitations, or reduced ability to exercise also needs medical review.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up needs depend on the exposure, symptoms, examination, and test results.

    These are not routine follow-up concerns.

The article also says

During recovery, watch for new or worsening difficulty with memory, concentration, mood, walking, coordination, vision, sleep, or daily tasks.

Before returning to the affected home, workplace, vehicle, or recreational space, confirm that the source has been corrected.

Replace or service alarms and appliances as directed by qualified professionals.

If the exposure occurred at work, an occupational health evaluation may help identify hazards and reduce repeat exposure.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.