If a co-worker passes out due to hydrogen sulfide exposure, what should be your first task?

Ensuring your own safety is the most critical first task in a scenario where a co-worker has passed out due to hydrogen sulfide exposure. Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas, and exposure can lead to serious health risks, including loss of consciousness and respiratory failure. Before attempting to assist someone else, you must assess the situation for hazards that could affect you as well.

If you enter an area where hydrogen sulfide is present, you might also become a victim, which would further complicate the emergency and potentially put more lives at risk. Therefore, prioritizing your safety by making sure the area is safe or that you are protected by proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Only after securing your own safety can you effectively assist your co-worker or call for help.

In emergencies involving hazardous substances, the protocol emphasizes the need to prevent additional injuries before taking further action. This approach ensures that response efforts are effective and safe for both the rescuer and the victim.