What steps should you take when a victim needs medical attention for pesticide exposure?

• A. Call for medical help immediately, get the victim out of exposure, and begin first aid if you are alone; if you are the victim, remain calm and follow the same basic response principles; take the label with you to the hospital.
• B. Wait until a supervisor arrives.
• C. Offer water and send the victim to sleep.
• D. Leave the scene to find help.

Answer: (A)

When someone may have been exposed to a pesticide, the priority is to get them to safety and obtain professional medical help as quickly as possible, while providing basic first aid as appropriate. Move the victim away from the pesticide to fresh air and remove contaminated clothing to stop further exposure. If you are alone, begin first aid that you’re trained to provide and continue until help arrives; if you’re the victim, stay as calm as possible and follow your basic response steps. Bringing the product label to the hospital is important because it gives medical responders exact information about the chemical involved, which guides any specific antidotes, decontamination needs, or supportive care.

Delays aren’t acceptable: waiting for a supervisor means precious time is lost when dealing with potential poisoning. Offering water and sending the person to sleep or leaving the scene to find help can complicate the situation or lead to further harm.