The basic first-aid procedure for someone who has inhaled a pesticide is to get the exposed person to fresh air. Do not attempt to rescue someone who is in an enclosed, contaminated area unless you are wearing appropriate PPE. If other people are in the area, warn them of the danger. Have the victim lie down and loosen clothing. Keep the victim warm and quiet. Do not allow him or her to become chilled or overheated. If the victim is convulsing, protect the victim’s head and watch that breathing continues. Keep the person’s chin up to ensure that air passages are open for breathing. If breathing stops or is labored, give artificial respiration.
If pesticide has gotten in the mouth but has not been swallowed, have the victim spit and rinse the mouth with plenty of water. Some labels state to have the victim sip a glass of water if they are able to swallow; other labels will state to not give any liquid to the person. If the pesticide is swallowed, one of the most critical first-aid decisions is whether to induce vomiting. Induce vomiting only if the label instructs to do so. Several pesticides cause more harm when vomited than if they remain in the stomach. To provide first aid for a swallowed pesticide, you must know the appropriate treatment. The decision to induce vomiting must be made quickly and accurately—the victim’s life may depend on it. Activated charcoal is another first-aid treatment that can be administered when a pesticide has been swallowed. Give the patient powdered activated charcoal per the product label directions. Activated charcoal acts as a magnet to adsorb many chemicals. Pharmaceutical-grade activated charcoal is available from most drug stores. Activated charcoal prepared for cleaning up pesticide spills may be substituted in an emergency.