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Warning-sign checks

Oleander 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 your local poison centre or emergency medical service immediately.

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

    Elsewhere, use your regional poison information service.

    Call emergency services now if the person has:

    • Fainted, collapsed, or cannot be awakened
    • A seizure or difficulty breathing
    • Chest pain or a very slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
    • Severe weakness, confusion, or repeated vomiting
    • Signs of shock, such as cool skin and marked faintness

    Routine medical follow-up is different from emergency care.

    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 oleander as urgent, even if there are no symptoms.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After hospital treatment, contact the recommended clinician if symptoms return, vomiting continues, or follow-up tests cannot be completed.

The article also says

Do not make the person vomit.

Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth without pushing it farther in.

If sap is on the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash the area with soap and water.

If it is in the eyes, rinse with clean lukewarm water.

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