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Warning-sign checks

Mercuric chloride 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

    Get immediate poison-centre or emergency advice after any suspected swallowing of mercuric chloride.

    Call emergency services now if there is:

    • Trouble breathing, severe chest tightness, or blue-grey lips
    • Collapse, confusion, a seizure, or extreme drowsiness
    • Vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain
    • Very little or no urine
    • Fainting, cold clammy skin, or signs of shock

    If the eyes or skin were exposed, begin rinsing with water while emergency or poison-centre advice is being arranged.

    Elsewhere, contact your local poison information centre or emergency service.

    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

    Do not wait for symptoms or mercury test results.

    Significant inhalation, eye exposure, widespread skin contamination, or exposure through damaged skin also needs urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange prompt, non-emergency medical review if a possible past or repeated exposure is linked with tremor, gum irritation, mood or memory changes, or changes in urination.

    Routine follow-up is also important after hospital treatment, even when you feel better.

The article also says

Move away from airborne contamination if you can do so safely.

Avoid touching contaminated clothing with bare hands.

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

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