What should you do if someone accidentally ingests a pesticide?

Calling poison control immediately is the best course of action if someone accidentally ingests a pesticide. Poison control centers are equipped with professionals who have the training and resources to provide guidance tailored to the specific situation. They can assess the severity of the ingestion and offer critical instructions on what to do next, which may include medical interventions.

Waiting to see if symptoms develop can lead to delays in treatment, which can be critical in poisoning cases. Symptoms may not appear immediately, and any delay could worsen the outcome. Encouraging someone to drink water could result in further complications depending on the type and amount of pesticide ingested; some substances may be harmful if diluted with water, while others may require immediate medical treatment without any attempts to dilute the substance. Contacting the pesticide manufacturer might provide additional information about the product, but this action does not replace the need for immediate professional medical advice from poison control in an emergency situation. Thus, contacting poison control is the most direct and effective way to ensure the safety and health of the person who has ingested the pesticide.