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Warning-sign checks

Plant fertilizer 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:

    • Difficulty breathing, severe wheezing, or airway swelling
    • Blue or grey lips, skin, or nails
    • Confusion, collapse, a seizure, or trouble waking
    • Severe chest pain or an abnormal heartbeat
    • Drooling or inability to swallow
    • A serious eye injury or extensive chemical burn
    • A deliberate or potentially large ingestion

    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 fertilizer is swallowed, even if there are no symptoms.

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

    Elsewhere, use your local poison centre or urgent medical advice service.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for persistent vomiting, worsening stomach pain, ongoing coughing, eye pain after rinsing, a skin burn, unusual weakness, or symptoms that are not settling.

The article also says

Do not give anything by mouth to someone who is drowsy, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely.

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