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Warning-sign checks

Jimsonweed 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

    Contact your local poison centre or emergency medical service immediately.

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

    Call emergency services now if the person has:

    • Severe confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behaviour
    • A seizure or loss of consciousness
    • Trouble breathing
    • Extreme agitation or inability to stay safely supervised
    • Very hot, dry skin or signs of overheating
    • Collapse, chest pain, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat

    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

    Treat any suspected swallowing of jimsonweed as urgent, even if symptoms have not started.

    After discharge, seek urgent reassessment if confusion returns, urine becomes very dark, urination stops, severe muscle pain develops, vomiting prevents drinking, or breathing becomes difficult.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for lingering mild blurred vision, fatigue, concentration problems, or questions about an intentional exposure, provided symptoms are improving and no urgent warning signs are present.

The article also says

Do not let a confused person drive themselves to care.

Keep them away from traffic, stairs, water, heat, and objects that could cause injury.

Do not put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure.

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