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Warning-sign checks

Insecticide 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 now if there is:

    • Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or choking secretions
    • A seizure, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • Severe confusion or inability to stay awake
    • Rapidly worsening muscle weakness
    • Intentional swallowing or suspected self-harm

    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 information service promptly after a significant or uncertain exposure, even if symptoms are not yet present.

    Have the product name, label, estimated amount, time of exposure, and current symptoms available.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for repeated vomiting, worsening dizziness, marked sweating, very small pupils, muscle twitching, increasing weakness, wheezing, or persistent eye pain.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After recovery, arrange routine follow-up if weakness, numbness, breathing symptoms, memory problems, or mood changes continue or appear later.

The article also says

Do not drive someone who is unconscious, having seizures, or struggling to breathe.

Keep yourself away from contaminated clothing, liquid, or fumes while waiting for help.

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