If a poison has been swallowed, what is the first step of care?

If a poison has been swallowed, what is the first step of care?

• A. Call poison control center
• B. Induce vomiting
• C. Drink water
• D. Check for breathing

Answer: (A)

When a poison has been swallowed, the first step is to call the poison control center. They have experts who can identify the substance, assess the risk based on what was swallowed and who is affected, and give immediate, tailored instructions on what to do next. They can tell you if you should give any liquids, whether you need to go to the emergency department, or if it’s safe to monitor at home. Inducing vomiting is not routinely recommended because it can cause choking, aspiration, or worsen injuries, and simply drinking water isn’t advised unless specifically instructed. If the person becomes unresponsive or has trouble breathing, call emergency services right away and start rescue steps if you’re trained. The key is to get professional guidance first.

When a poison has been swallowed, the first step is to call the poison control center. They have experts who can identify the substance, assess the risk based on what was swallowed and who is affected, and give immediate, tailored instructions on what to do next. They can tell you if you should give any liquids, whether you need to go to the emergency department, or if it’s safe to monitor at home. Inducing vomiting is not routinely recommended because it can cause choking, aspiration, or worsen injuries, and simply drinking water isn’t advised unless specifically instructed. If the person becomes unresponsive or has trouble breathing, call emergency services right away and start rescue steps if you’re trained. The key is to get professional guidance first.