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Warning-sign checks

Kerosene 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 exposed person has:

    • Trouble breathing, severe wheezing, or rapidly worsening cough
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • A seizure, collapse, confusion, or difficulty waking
    • Repeated choking or vomiting
    • Severe chest pain
    • Exposure in an enclosed space followed by marked dizziness or drowsiness

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for symptoms that persist but are stable; sudden breathing difficulty is an emergency.

    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 kerosene is swallowed, even if there are no symptoms.

    They can advise whether observation at home or assessment in a healthcare setting is appropriate.

    Have the product container available if it can be handled safely.

    Do not wait for symptoms to improve on their own when breathing or consciousness is affected.

    Seek prompt medical advice after an eye splash if pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision continues after rinsing.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Skin irritation that persists after washing can usually be assessed through routine care.

The article also says

After an initial medical assessment, seek further help if breathing becomes more difficult, a cough worsens, or new fever and weakness develop.

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