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Warning-sign checks

Photographic fixative 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 has trouble breathing, severe wheezing, blue or grey lips, collapse, a seizure, severe confusion, or cannot be awakened.

    Emergency help is also needed for rapidly increasing mouth or throat swelling.

    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 any intentional swallow, an accidental swallow of more than a trivial taste, exposure to an unknown or concentrated product, or symptoms after breathing fumes.

    Do not wait for symptoms before calling if a child may have swallowed fixer.

    Seek urgent assessment if pain, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light continues after thorough rinsing.

    Get urgent medical care for persistent vomiting, severe chest or abdominal pain, drooling, trouble swallowing, bloody vomit, worsening cough, or shortness of breath.

    Skin that blisters, turns pale or dark, or remains painful after rinsing also needs assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may be appropriate after initial treatment if mild coughing, skin irritation, stomach discomfort, or swallowing difficulty does not steadily improve.

    Follow the timing recommended by the poison centre or healthcare team.

The article also says

An eye splash needs immediate rinsing.

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