True or False: You should always try to induce vomiting after poisoning.

Inducing vomiting after poisoning is not recommended as a universal response because it can lead to additional complications and may worsen the situation in certain cases. For instance, if the poison is caustic or corrosive (like strong acids or alkalis), vomiting could further damage the esophagus and throat due to the backward movement of the toxic substance. Additionally, if the poison is a petroleum product, inducing vomiting could also increase the risk of aspiration into the lungs, which can lead to severe complications such as chemical pneumonia.

Most current medical guidelines advise against using vomiting as a method of treatment for poisoning unless specifically directed by a medical professional. Instead, seeking immediate medical assistance or contacting a poison control center is the safest approach. This guarantees that the individual receives appropriate care tailored to the specific type of poison involved, rather than relying on a potentially harmful reaction that could do more harm than good.