For absorbed poisons, which action is explicitly recommended?

For absorbed poisons, which action is explicitly recommended?

• A. Neutralizing the poisonous substance with a chemical
• B. Transporting the patient to the ED with the poisonous substance in place
• C. Safely removing or diluting the poisonous substance
• D. Collecting and transporting the poisonous substance to the ED for identification

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to minimize further absorption by removing the poison from contact with the body and diluting what remains. For absorbed poisons, the best action is safely removing or diluting the substance: take off contaminated clothing and jewelry, brush off any dry powder, and rinse the skin with running water for at least 15 minutes (and avoid trying to neutralize the chemical with another substance, which can cause additional harm). Getting the person to medical care is important after cleansing, but the immediate priority at the scene is to remove the toxin and wash it away rather than trying to keep the substance on the skin or attempting to transport it to the ED for identification. If symptoms develop or the exposure was significant, seek medical help or contact poison control.

The main idea is to minimize further absorption by removing the poison from contact with the body and diluting what remains. For absorbed poisons, the best action is safely removing or diluting the substance: take off contaminated clothing and jewelry, brush off any dry powder, and rinse the skin with running water for at least 15 minutes (and avoid trying to neutralize the chemical with another substance, which can cause additional harm). Getting the person to medical care is important after cleansing, but the immediate priority at the scene is to remove the toxin and wash it away rather than trying to keep the substance on the skin or attempting to transport it to the ED for identification. If symptoms develop or the exposure was significant, seek medical help or contact poison control.