DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR | SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 – Provincial Officer (PO) Ms. Imelda Rasay discussed the first aid management tips for pesticide poisoning during her third guesting at DXKL 97.5 Radyo Astig last September 9, 2022.

The discussion focused on proper safety procedures and first aid management in case of accidental pesticide poisoning in the field. “It is essential that pesticide poisoning incidents be recognized immediately because prompt treatment may mean the difference between life and death. Do not substitute first aid for professional treatment. First aid is only to relieve the patient before medical help can be reached,” Ms. Rasay explained.

The following are the first aid treatment at the scene of incident:

• See that the person is breathing. The highest priority is adequate breathing. It must be maintained continuously. If the victim is not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration.
• Stop exposure to the position. Remove the person from scene of spillage or other contamination. Avoid further skin contact and/or inhalation of fumes or dust.
• Save the pesticide container and any remaining material. Get readable label or name of chemical(s) for the physician. If the position is not known, save sample of the vomitus.

PO Rasay also shared the upcoming Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) training on September 14, 2022 in Davao City for individuals who are into agricultural businesses, as this is part of the requirements for the issuance of License to Operate (LTO) as a dealer. She emphasized the importance of ASD training to avoid becoming the victims of fake and substandard purchases of agricultural inputs due to a lack of awareness.

“There should be a need to update the minds of our stakeholders, and ASD training plays an important role in this,” PO Rasay said.

The FPA awareness program on proper safety procedures and first aid management will continue on its regular time slot, every 2nd Friday of the month, on DXKL 97.5 Radyo Astig in Digos City, Davao del Sur. The United Top Agro Products through its General Trade Manager, Mr. Chito Eltagonde, co-sponsored the radio program. ###