A 2-year-old is found playing with an open bottle of his grandmother's ferrous sulfate (iron) tablets. The child is crying and has vomited once. He is otherwise alert with stable vital signs.
What is the AEMT's most important action after assessing the ABCs?
- Administer one tube of activated charcoal to absorb the toxin.
- Induce vomiting with syrup of ipecac to clear the stomach.
- Contact medical control or the Poison Control Center for guidance. (correct answer)
- Establish an IV and begin a fluid bolus to prevent hypotension.
Explanation: In any case of a potential toxic ingestion, after ensuring the patient's ABCs are stable, the most critical step is to contact the Poison Control Center or medical control for specific instructions. Iron is not well absorbed by activated charcoal, and inducing vomiting is no longer recommended and can be harmful. The child is currently stable, so while an IV may be needed later, the immediate priority is getting expert guidance on management for this specific toxin.