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Warning-sign checks

Paraquat 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

    Treat suspected paraquat swallowing as an emergency.

    Call your local emergency number and poison centre immediately.

    Emergency assessment is also needed after a significant eye splash, soaked clothing, contact with broken skin, or inhalation of concentrated spray.

    Move away from the source without exposing other people.

    If it is safe, remove contaminated clothing and begin rinsing exposed skin or eyes while help is arranged.

    Blue or grey lips, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or reduced responsiveness require emergency services.

    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.

    After hospital discharge, seek urgent medical care for:

    • New or worsening shortness of breath
    • Blue or grey lips, severe drowsiness, collapse, or confusion
    • Very little or no urine
    • Repeated vomiting or inability to swallow fluids
    • Increasing mouth, throat, chest, or abdominal pain
    • Yellow skin or eyes
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for planned blood tests, breathing checks, wound review, and rehabilitation when no new warning symptoms are present.

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if you are unwell.

Do not handle a leaking container to bring it with you.

Give responders the product name or a photograph of the label if this can be done safely.

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