Which of the following is most important when responding to a suspected poisoning?

Identifying the type of poison is crucial when responding to a suspected poisoning because it directly influences the treatment approach. Different poisons require different management strategies, and knowing the specific poison can provide vital information about potential symptoms and appropriate antidotes or treatments. For example, some substances may require specific doses of activated charcoal to absorb the poison, while others might necessitate immediate medical intervention or the use of specific antidotes.

Remaining calm is undoubtedly important for effective first aid, as it helps the responder maintain focus and clarity in the situation. However, without identifying the poison, responding effectively may become challenging, potentially compromising the individual's safety.

Checking for allergies can also be significant, especially if the individual has underlying conditions that affect treatment. Yet this does not have the same immediate relevance to managing a poisoning scenario compared to knowing the poison involved.

Providing food and drink immediately is generally not advisable in suspected poisoning cases. Ingestion of food or drink may complicate the situation or provoke adverse reactions, especially if the individual requires specific treatments based on the type of poison.

Thus, the most critical first step in managing a suspected poisoning is to identify the poison in order to inform appropriate first aid response and medical care.