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What should you NOT do when caring for a poisoning victim?

  1. Call emergency services

  2. Give the victim something to eat or drink

  3. Keep the victim calm

  4. Assess the victim's condition

The correct answer is: Give the victim something to eat or drink

When caring for a poisoning victim, giving the victim something to eat or drink can be particularly dangerous. In the event of poisoning, the substances involved may require specific medical treatments that could be complicated or made worse by introducing additional substances into the stomach. For example, some poisons can react adversely with food or drink, worsening the situation, or they may need to be treated with activated charcoal, which should only be administered under medical supervision. Additionally, if the person is unconscious, semiconscious, or having seizures, giving them food or drink poses a risk of choking or aspiration into the lungs, which can lead to further complications. Therefore, it's critical to avoid providing any food or drink until emergency medical personnel arrive and can assess the situation appropriately. In contrast, calling emergency services, keeping the victim calm, and assessing the victim's condition are all essential steps that contribute to ensuring their safety and facilitating timely medical intervention.