General First Aid Instructions

Part 2, Section 1: Pest Management

Pest Management

Using Pesticides Safely

General first aid instructions

• Most important, be sure to protect yourself by wearing appropriate protective clothing and equipment if there is a likelihood of being directly exposed to a pesticide while administering first aid or removing the victim from an enclosed area.
• Have current labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available.
• Have emergency response telephone numbers readily available.
• Assemble a first aid kit with necessary supplies.
• Always have a source of clean water available. In an extreme emergency, even water from a farm pond, clean water irrigation system, or watering trough could be used to dilute the pesticide.
• If oral or dermal exposure occurred, the first objective is usually to dilute the pesticide and prevent absorption.
• If inhalation exposure occurs, first protect yourself, and then get the victim to fresh air immediately.
• Never give anything orally to an unconcious person.
• Become familiar with the proper techniques of artificial respiration; it may be necessary if a person's breathing has stopped or become impaired.