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Warning-sign checks

Isopropanol alcohol 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 the person:

    • Cannot be awakened or is becoming increasingly drowsy
    • Has slow, shallow, difficult, or stopped breathing
    • Has collapsed, had a seizure, or is severely confused
    • Is vomiting repeatedly or vomiting blood
    • Has pale, cold, or bluish skin
    • May have swallowed a large amount or several substances
    • Was exposed during an act of 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 centre immediately after any suspected swallowing of isopropanol, even if there are no symptoms.

    In the United States, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222 .

    Elsewhere, use your local poison information service.

    Keep the container nearby, but do not delay the call while looking for it.

    Rinse exposed eyes promptly with clean, lukewarm water.

    A poison centre can advise whether further assessment is needed.

The article also says

Do not make the person vomit.

Do not give food, drinks, activated charcoal, or home remedies unless a poison specialist specifically directs this.

Move someone with heavy fume exposure into fresh air without entering an unsafe area yourself.

Remove contaminated clothing after skin exposure and rinse the skin with water.

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