If a 19-year-old has swallowed lighter fluid, what is the recommended action?

When a situation involves the ingestion of a toxic substance like lighter fluid, contacting a poison control center is the most appropriate action to take. Poison control centers have specialists who can provide specific guidance based on the substance involved, the amount ingested, and the patient's condition. They can assess the severity of the poisoning and recommend the best course of action, which may include monitoring the patient, administering activated charcoal, or guiding on whether to seek medical care.

Encouraging vomiting, giving milk, or transporting the patient to the hospital without first consulting poison control may not be safe or effective. Inducing vomiting can risk aspiration, especially if the patient has ingested a caustic substance, while diluting the poison with milk may delay more effective treatment. Immediate transportation to a hospital without consulting poison control may lead to inappropriate care or delays in receiving the necessary interventions. Therefore, the recommended action is to contact a poison control center for the safe and effective management of the situation.