What action should be taken if a chemical has been swallowed?

When a chemical has been swallowed, rinsing the mouth with water is an appropriate action to help minimize the effects of the substance. This step can help remove residual chemical from the mouth, potentially reducing further exposure and damage to the tissue. It's important to remove as much of the chemical from the mouth as possible before taking further steps.

Inducing vomiting is not typically recommended, as it can lead to additional harm, depending on the substance swallowed. Some chemicals can cause more damage when they are brought back up through the esophagus.

While seeking medical help is critical, rinsing the mouth can be a safe first step to take immediately after the incident but before help arrives or before further actions are determined. Drinking milk may seem like a soothing suggestion, but it isn't universally applicable to all chemicals and may not be effective or safe for certain substances.

Overall, rinsing the mouth with water is a helpful and straightforward initial action that can reduce the risk of adverse effects from swallowing harmful chemicals.