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Warning-sign checks

Tar remover 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 exposed person has trouble breathing, collapses, cannot be awakened normally, has a seizure, becomes severely confused, or develops blue or grey lips or skin.

    Move away from fumes only if it is safe to do so.

    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 after a known or suspected swallowing.

    Contact a poison centre promptly for advice based on the exact product.

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

    Elsewhere, use your national or regional poison information service.

    Get urgent medical assessment for repeated coughing or choking after swallowing, persistent vomiting, chest pain, wheezing, increasing drowsiness, fainting, or an irregular heartbeat.

    Eye pain or blurred vision that continues after rinsing also needs prompt assessment.

    After initial treatment, seek urgent reassessment if breathing becomes harder, cough worsens, fever develops with respiratory symptoms, alertness changes, or symptoms return.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable, gradually improving symptoms when this was recommended at discharge.

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