What is the first step you should take when responding to a pesticide poisoning incident?

When responding to a pesticide poisoning incident, the first and most critical step is to protect yourself from injury. This ensures that you do not become another victim of the same hazardous situation. Personal safety is paramount, especially in environments involving toxic chemicals, which may pose health risks not only to the victim but also to anyone attempting to provide assistance.

By prioritizing your safety, you can effectively assess the situation and take further action without putting yourself at risk. This could include using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, or protective clothing to guard against exposure to the pesticide.

Once your safety is secured, you can then proceed to check on the victim, call for emergency services, or monitor their condition as needed. Ensuring your safety first allows you to provide help more effectively without compromising your own health in the process.