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Warning-sign checks

Sulfuric acid 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 after any known or suspected swallowing of sulfuric acid.

    Emergency help is also needed for:

    • Trouble breathing, wheezing, choking, or a hoarse voice
    • Drooling or inability to swallow
    • Vomiting blood or severe chest or abdominal pain
    • Fainting, confusion, extreme weakness, or blue-grey lips
    • A large, deep, or rapidly changing skin burn
    • Any sulfuric acid splash into the eye

    Elsewhere, use the local poison 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 burns or pain to appear.

    Begin rinsing exposed skin or eyes immediately while help is being arranged.

    If fumes are present, leave the area without putting yourself or anyone else at risk.

    Contact a poison information service promptly after any exposure, even if symptoms seem mild.

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

    After hospital discharge, seek urgent assessment for worsening chest or abdominal pain, fever, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, or inability to swallow liquids.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up for gradually increasing swallowing difficulty, food sticking, ongoing cough, weight loss, slow-healing burns, scar tightness, or continuing vision changes.

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