If someone has inhaled pesticides in an enclosed area and you do not have a respirator, what should you do?

• A. Do not attempt to rescue in the enclosed area; move the person to fresh air and call for help.
• B. Enter the area immediately to rescue them.
• C. Attempt rescue without protection and then call for help.
• D. Wait for symptoms to worsen before acting.

Answer: (A)

When pesticides are present as fumes in an enclosed space, your priority is safety for both the victim and yourself. Entering the area without a respirator or proper protection can expose you to harmful inhalation and chemical exposure. The best action is to move the person to fresh air if you can do so without entering the contaminated space, and then call for emergency help right away. This gets the victim away from the toxic environment while professional responders handle the exposure and decontamination. Waiting for symptoms to appear or trying a rescue without protection can put you at serious risk. If you can get them to fresh air, you can then provide further first aid or CPR if trained and needed, but only after you’re out of the hazardous area.