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Warning-sign checks

Paraffin 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 exposed person:

    • Is struggling to breathe or cannot speak normally
    • Has blue or grey lips or skin
    • Is very drowsy, confused, unconscious, or having a seizure
    • Has severe or rapidly worsening chest symptoms
    • Was exposed in an enclosed area that may still be unsafe

    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 promptly after any paraffin or kerosene ingestion, even if there are no symptoms.

    Have the container or product name available.

    Do not wait for coughing or breathing trouble to develop.

    Seek urgent medical assessment if coughing, choking, vomiting, wheezing, fever, chest pain, unusual sleepiness, or breathing difficulty occurs after exposure.

    A mild cough that is steadily improving may be discussed at routine follow-up, but new or worsening breathlessness needs urgent assessment.

The article also says

Do not enter a fuel-filled or poorly ventilated space to rescue someone unless trained and properly equipped.

For skin or eye exposure, get medical advice if pain, redness, blurred vision, blistering, or irritation continues after thorough rinsing.

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