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Warning-sign checks

Potassium carbonate 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, noisy breathing, severe hoarseness, or blue-grey lips
    • Is drooling or unable to swallow
    • Has severe chest or abdominal pain
    • Vomits blood, collapses, has a seizure, or becomes confused
    • Has a fast, very slow, or irregular heartbeat
    • Has swallowed potassium carbonate intentionally
    • Has a significant eye exposure with pain or impaired vision

    Arrange follow-up after the emergency period if pain is not improving, an eye remains red or sensitive, a skin burn develops blisters, or coughing continues.

    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, even if symptoms seem mild.

    Have the product name, concentration, estimated amount, time of exposure, and the person's age available if known.

    Over the following weeks or months, seek prompt medical assessment for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, repeated vomiting, weight loss, persistent chest discomfort, or coughing during meals.

    These can be signs of scar narrowing rather than a new poisoning event.

The article also says

After skin or eye contact, start rinsing before making the call.

Do not delay first aid while searching for detailed product information.

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