Watercolor paints - swallowing: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services now if the person:

   • Is choking or having trouble breathing
   • Has blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
   • Collapses, has a seizure, or cannot be awakened
   • Develops severe confusion or extreme weakness
   • Cannot swallow safely because of reduced alertness

   Do not give food or drink while waiting for emergency help if the person cannot swallow safely.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact a poison centre promptly if:

   • More than a small taste may have been swallowed
   • The amount is unknown
   • The product is professional-grade, old, imported, or unlabelled
   • The label has a health warning
   • Vomiting, stomach pain, coughing, unusual sleepiness, or other symptoms occur
   • Exposure happened repeatedly
   • The swallowing was intentional

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   A routine appointment may be appropriate for repeated mouthing or eating of paint, even when each exposure is small.

   Follow-up can also help if mild symptoms continue after the observation period advised by a poison specialist.

   Routine follow-up is usually not needed after a small accidental taste when the product has been assessed, the person remains well, and the poison centre has advised home observation.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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