What is the first step in first aid for pesticide poisoning?

• A. Call emergency services immediately.
• B. Give the victim water to drink.
• C. Protect yourself by wearing suitable protective gear.
• D. Induce vomiting.

Answer: (C)

Protecting yourself has to come before helping the poisoned person. Pesticides can enter your body quickly through skin, lungs, or even contact with contaminated clothing, so donning suitable protective gear keeps you from becoming a second victim and helps prevent spreading contamination. With PPE in place, you can safely approach, assess the scene, and begin decontamination and contacting emergency services. Giving water by mouth or trying to induce vomiting isn’t reliable and can be harmful in many pesticide exposures; water won’t remove the toxin and vomiting can lead to choking or aspiration. The essential first action is to protect yourself so you can effectively help the other person.