What should be done immediately if a patient shows signs of inhalation poisoning and is not breathing adequately?

Inhalation poisoning can severely compromise a patient's ability to breathe, leading to inadequate ventilation and oxygenation. When a patient exhibits signs of inhalation poisoning and is not demonstrating adequate breathing, the priority is to ensure that the patient receives sufficient oxygen and ventilation to support their respiratory needs.

Starting positive pressure ventilation with supplemental oxygen is essential in this scenario because it directly addresses the patient's inadequate breathing. Positive pressure ventilation helps to inflate the lungs, improving gas exchange and ensuring that oxygen reaches the bloodstream, which is crucial for a patient who is unable to breathe sufficiently on their own due to inhalation poisoning. This intervention also mitigates the risk of hypoxia, which can lead to further complications.

Given the urgency of the situation, focusing on immediate ventilation support is critical, as other interventions like administering high-concentration oxygen would not be effective if the patient cannot adequately ventilate. Similarly, rinsing the patient with water or positioning them in the Trendelenburg position does not address the immediate respiratory failure and would not provide the necessary support for their breathing.