If poison is on the victim's skin or in his eyes, what is the most important first step to take?

The most crucial first step when poison is on the victim's skin or in their eyes is to wash the affected area with large amounts of running water. This action serves several important purposes. First, it helps to dilute the poison, thereby reducing its concentration and mitigating its harmful effects. By flushing the area thoroughly, you can prevent further skin absorption or eye penetration of the toxic substance.

In cases of exposure, especially with certain chemical agents, immediate and copious irrigation can make a significant difference in the victim’s outcome. For skin exposure, continued washing helps to cleanse the skin thoroughly, while for eye exposure, a steady stream of water can help flush out the irritant, minimizing potential damage to the eye structures.

Using a topical antibiotic or covering the area with a bandage may be appropriate steps after the initial washing, but they do not address the immediate need to remove the toxic substance from the skin or eyes. Seeking immediate medical attention is also important, but it should follow the initial decontamination step of washing with water to provide the victim with the best chance of avoiding significant harm before medical personnel are available to assist further. Therefore, washing with running water is the priority action in cases of poisoning.