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Warning-sign checks

Propane 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 someone exposed to propane has:

    • Trouble breathing, chest pain, marked confusion, or severe weakness
    • Fainted, collapsed, had a seizure, or cannot be awakened normally
    • Blue or grey lips or skin
    • Significant burns or freezing injuries
    • Been trapped in an enclosed space with a suspected leak
    • Symptoms affecting several people in the same building

    Tell emergency services if a propane appliance was burning, because carbon monoxide may also be involved.

    For a mild exposure with no emergency symptoms, contact a poison centre or healthcare professional for case-specific advice.

    In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

    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

    Pregnant people should receive urgent medical advice after a significant exposure, particularly if carbon monoxide is possible, even if symptoms seem mild.

    New or worsening confusion, chest pain, fainting, or breathing difficulty is urgent rather than routine.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if headaches, coughing, breathlessness, palpitations, concentration problems, or cold-injury symptoms continue after the initial assessment.

The article also says

Leave the area before calling if it is safe to do so.

Do not re-enter for another person or pet.

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