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Warning-sign checks

Gasoline 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

    Call emergency services immediately if the person:

    • Has difficulty breathing or blue or grey lips
    • Collapses, has a seizure, or cannot be awakened
    • Is severely confused or unable to walk normally
    • Has been trapped in a space with concentrated fumes
    • Swallowed gasoline deliberately

    Elsewhere, contact the local poison information service or emergency number.

    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

    Contact a poison centre promptly after gasoline is swallowed, even if there are no symptoms.

    Do not wait for vomiting or breathing trouble.

    Have the container or product name available if possible.

    Seek urgent medical assessment after significant fume exposure, repeated vomiting, persistent coughing, chest discomfort, unusual drowsiness, eye pain, blurred vision, or skin blistering.

    New breathing symptoms in the hours after swallowing gasoline also need prompt assessment.

The article also says

If someone is unconscious, do not give anything by mouth or induce vomiting.

Move them away from fumes only if it is safe.

Avoid direct gasoline exposure during rescue or first aid.

In the United States, Poison Help can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

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