When treating swallowed poison, what should you do?

When someone has swallowed poison, it is crucial to avoid feeding or giving them anything to drink unless directed to do so by a medical professional. This is because certain substances can be harmful if mixed with food or liquid, leading to increased absorption of the toxin in the body or causing potential complications.

Inducing vomiting, encouraging the person to drink water, or administering activated charcoal may not be appropriate in all situations and can complicate the condition further. For example, inducing vomiting could cause more damage to the esophagus or airway, and water could dilute the poison in some cases, making it harder for medical professionals to treat effectively. Activated charcoal is sometimes used in poison treatment but should only be given under medical supervision because its effectiveness depends on the type of poison ingested and timing.

In emergency situations, it's vital to follow protocols that prioritize the victim's safety. Therefore, the position of not feeding or giving anything to drink unless advised is the safest course of action while waiting for professional medical help.