Injected poisons, what action if responsive & ABCs unaffected?

• A. Clean puncture site with running water
• B. Have someone call EMS and get AED if altered responsiveness or difficulty breathing
• C. Call Poison Control
• D. Keep the person still

Answer: (C)

When a person has been injected with a poison and is responsive with their airway, breathing, and circulation intact, the best next step is to contact Poison Control for toxin-specific guidance. Poison Control centers can provide immediate, case-specific instructions on what to do next, including whether the person should be evaluated in person, whether any antidote is indicated, and what symptoms to watch for.

While waiting for guidance, monitor the person closely, keep them calm, and avoid giving anything by mouth unless told to. If they develop trouble breathing or become unresponsive, call EMS right away. Cleaning the puncture site or keeping the person still are supportive actions but do not replace getting expert toxin information from Poison Control.