1. Assessment of the Situation: Quickly assess the patient’s condition and the circumstances of the exposure. Determine what substance was involved, how much was ingested or contacted, and the route of exposure (ingestion, inhalation, dermal, etc.).
2. Removal from Exposure: The first step in managing a toxic exposure is to remove the individual from the source of the toxin if it is safe to do so. This could involve ventilating the area, washing off chemical residues, or removing contaminated clothing.
3. Decontamination: Depending on the nature of the toxin, different decontamination methods may be necessary. For skin exposure, rinsing with water is usually the first step. In cases of ingestion, activated charcoal may be administered to absorb the toxin, although this is not always appropriate.
4. Supportive Care: Provide supportive care to manage symptoms. This may include administering oxygen, intravenous fluids, or medications to stabilize vital signs.
5.
Identification of the Toxin: Whenever possible, identify the toxin involved. This may require collaboration with
poison control centers or other experts in toxicology to obtain specific information about the substance and its effects.
