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Warning-sign checks

Nicotine 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 trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or very slow breathing
    • Has a seizure, collapses, or cannot be awakened
    • Is severely confused or cannot stand safely
    • Has chest pain or signs of a dangerous heartbeat problem

    Begin emergency first aid if advised by the emergency dispatcher.

    Emergency care may still be needed if symptoms develop.

    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 a poison information service immediately after a child swallows or may have swallowed nicotine.

    Do the same after exposure to concentrated liquid, an unknown amount, or any exposure causing vomiting, dizziness, shaking, confusion, weakness, or heartbeat changes.

    Do not wait for severe symptoms.

    For skin or eye exposure, start rinsing straight away and call for advice.

    Routine follow-up should not replace urgent poison advice for a recent exposure.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after recovery if symptoms linger, exposure has happened more than once, or you want help changing nicotine use.

The article also says

Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side if you can do so safely.

Do not put anything in their mouth.

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