What is the first action to take when someone has been poisoned?

When someone has been poisoned, the first and most critical action is to ensure the person's breathing and to call for medical assistance. This step is essential because many poisoning cases can lead to life-threatening conditions, and immediate medical intervention may be necessary to stabilize the individual. Ensuring that the person is breathing allows you to quickly assess their need for resuscitation efforts if they are not breathing, which is vital for their survival.

Additionally, calling for medical assistance promptly allows professionals to guide you through the necessary steps while help is on the way. The timely delivery of care can significantly improve outcomes in poisoning situations.

While checking for signs of shock is important, it is secondary to ensuring the person's airway and breathing are secure, as these factors are critical for immediate survival. Other options, such as administering activated charcoal, are only suitable under specific circumstances and preferably under medical guidance, making them inappropriate as a first action.