Emergency Response, First Aid, and Poisoning Recognition
Emergency Response, First Aid, and Poisoning Recognition
This domain tests rapid recognition and correct first aid while avoiding dangerous home remedies.
Core rules
- Have a plan: emergency numbers, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.), location of eyewash/shower, SDS, and label.
- Dermal: remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water for 15 minutes.
- Eye: flush with clean water for 15 minutes, remove contacts if easy.
- Inhalation: move to fresh air; call for help.
- Ingestion: call Poison Control; do not induce vomiting unless the label or Poison Control says so.
- Recognize poisoning: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, blurred vision, pinpoint pupils, muscle twitching, weakness, seizures.
- Bring the label/SDS to the phone or emergency department.
Worked example
A mixer develops sweating, blurred vision, and weakness after handling an organophosphate. Reasoning: these are cholinergic signs. Stop work, remove contaminated clothing, wash skin, move to fresh air, call 911/Poison Control, and bring the label. Do not give food or induce vomiting.
Traps
- Giving milk or inducing vomiting by habit.
- Waiting for symptoms to worsen before calling.
- Forgetting to decontaminate the victim.
- Using an eyewash for only a few seconds.
- Returning to work after a minor exposure without reporting.