What is the first action to take if someone has been poisoned?

The first action to take if someone has been poisoned is to identify the poison. Recognizing what substance has caused the poisoning is crucial for several reasons. It helps healthcare professionals provide the appropriate treatment and antidote, if available, and it also guides emergency services on what specific protocols or interventions to use. Knowing the characteristics of the poison can dictate whether the patient requires immediate care, specific decontamination methods, or monitoring.

While removing the patient from the source of the poison is also an important step, it comes after identifying the substance, as this will guide the safest method for removal. Understanding the poison allows responders to assess the situation and determine whether it's safe to approach or if certain precautions must be taken. This knowledge is vital in ensuring that both the victim and the responders remain safe throughout the emergency response.