If a victim has mistakenly swallowed a caustic substance, should you induce vomiting?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
B. No, under no circumstances.
Explanation
The question is about a casualty who has swallowed a corrosive substance by mistake, for example an acid or lye. You must not make them vomit under any circumstances - the answer is B.
Anyone who sees a person in a sudden medical emergency is obliged to inform the emergency services immediately, and the Criminal Code punishes failing to help when help can be given without putting yourself at risk. With a corrosive substance, however, vomiting is not help: a corrosive liquid that has already burned the oesophagus and mouth once will damage them a second time when it comes back up, and it may also get into the airway. That is why answer A is dangerous, and answer C invents an exception that does not exist - dilution does not change the rule. Call for help on 112, keep the substance's packaging for the rescuers, and if the casualty is conscious, let them rinse their mouth with water, but not swallow it.
Legal basis: Art. 4 of the State Emergency Medical Services Act; Art. 162 § 1 of the Criminal Code