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Warning-sign checks

Methanol 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

    Any suspected methanol exposure is an emergency.

    Contact local emergency services or a poison centre immediately, even if the person feels well.

    Get emergency help immediately after possible exposure if there is:

    • Blurred, dim, snowy, or lost vision
    • Fast or unusually deep breathing
    • Repeated vomiting or severe abdominal pain
    • Confusion, unusual behaviour, or increasing drowsiness
    • A seizure, collapse, or loss of consciousness

    Emergency or poison-centre advice is still needed.

    Do not induce vomiting or give alcohol, food, medicines, or home remedies unless a poison specialist or emergency clinician specifically directs this.

    If safe, bring the product container or a photograph of its label for identification.

    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 to appear.

    Contact the treating service promptly about worsening vision, new movement difficulties, persistent headaches, memory changes, or problems managing daily activities.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After hospital treatment, attend planned follow-up.

The article also says

Move away from methanol vapour into fresh air if this can be done safely.

After skin exposure, remove contaminated clothing and rinse the skin with running water.

After eye exposure, begin rinsing with clean running water.

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