Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following should you do if you suspect a victim has been poisoned by inhalation?

1. Offer the victim water

2. Call for help before moving them

3. Carry the victim to a safe location

4. Leave the area to avoid exposure

The correct answer is: Carry the victim to a safe location

If you suspect a victim has been poisoned by inhalation, moving them to a safe location is crucial in ensuring their safety as well as your own. This is particularly important if the source of the poisoning is still present, as remaining in the area could expose both you and the victim to further toxic exposure. By relocating the victim, you help minimize the risk posed by the contaminant, allowing for a safer environment where more effective aid can be administered. Additionally, while instinct might lean towards providing immediate care or relief—such as offering water—the priority should be on removing the person from the hazardous environment. Similarly, regardless of the urgency, it is vital to call for help and ensure professional medical assistance is on its way before making any movement, as there may be specific protocols required when handling possible poisoning cases. Leaving the area to avoid exposure might seem like a safe action but doesn't provide assistance to the victim. Instead, addressing their immediate safety by relocating them assures that they can receive the care they need without further exposure to the toxin.