If a pesticide poisoning occurs, what is the recommended first response?

• A. Treat the subject for shock, consult the pesticide label or MSDS and call for medical help.
• B. Wait and see if symptoms appear before taking action.
• C. Call a non-emergency number to report the incident.
• D. Rinse the affected area with water for a few minutes and continue working.

Answer: (A)

When pesticide poisoning occurs, the immediate goal is to stabilize the person and get professional medical help as quickly as possible, using the pesticide label or MSDS as the guide for exact first-aid steps. The label/MSDS provides product-specific instructions, including any antidotes or special actions, and often includes emergency contact numbers. Treating for shock—keeping the person calm and warm, monitoring breathing, and ensuring they’re transported to medical care—helps prevent deterioration while help is on the way. Don’t wait to see if symptoms appear, don’t rely on non-emergency reporting instead of urgent care, and don’t keep working while decontamination is being handled; use the label directions for any safe decontamination you can perform while seeking medical help.