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Warning-sign checks

Lily of the valley 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:

    • Fainted, collapsed, or become difficult to wake
    • A seizure
    • Trouble breathing
    • Chest pain or a pounding or irregular heartbeat
    • Severe weakness, confusion, or repeated vomiting
    • Signs of shock, such as pale, cool skin with marked drowsiness

    Keep the plant, packaging, or a photograph available for identification, but do not delay emergency care to collect it.

    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 Poison Control or your local poison information service immediately if anyone may have swallowed lily of the valley, its berries, an herbal product containing it, or water from a container holding the plant.

    Do this even if there are no symptoms.

    It is not a substitute for urgent assessment of new or worsening symptoms.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after recovery if the treating service recommends repeat heart, kidney, or electrolyte checks.

The article also says

Do not drive someone who is faint, confused, or having heart symptoms.

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