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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services now if the exposed person has:
Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe wheezing
Collapse, a seizure, severe confusion, or difficulty waking
Repeated choking or coughing after swallowing an ointment
Vomit containing blood or severe, worsening abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting with marked weakness or very little urine
And for anyone, someone who:
is unconscious, or cannot be woken
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 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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact a poison centre promptly after a significant or uncertain ingestion, especially if a child is involved.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
In the United States, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222 .
Elsewhere, use your local poison information service.
Seek same-day medical advice for breathing symptoms after welding or heating galvanized metal, even if they initially seem like the flu.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical follow-up if you have ongoing fatigue, pale skin, frequent infections, numbness, weakness, poor balance, or a history of prolonged excessive zinc use.
These symptoms can have many causes and require proper assessment rather than self-treatment with copper.
And for anyone, someone who:
is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Zinc oxide overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.