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

When someone has been poisoned, the first action should be to check their breathing and call for medical help if they are alone. This step is crucial because ensuring that the person can breathe adequately is a priority in any emergency situation. If they are not breathing or are in distress, immediate medical assistance is necessary, as poisoning can lead to serious complications very quickly.

Calling for help also enables professional responders to arrive and administer the appropriate care based on the nature of the poisoning. While identifying the poison is important, this should not be the first action taken, as stabilizing the person’s condition is the priority.

Making the person vomit or administering water can sometimes worsen the situation, depending on the type of poison ingested, which makes those actions less advisable before seeking medical assistance.