If a medication error results in a life-threatening situation, what action should the DSP take?

In a situation where a medication error leads to a life-threatening situation, the most appropriate action is to call 911 for immediate assistance. This is critical because a life-threatening event requires rapid intervention to ensure the safety and health of the individual affected. By calling emergency services, you are ensuring that qualified medical professionals can provide the necessary care as quickly as possible.

While other actions, such as contacting a supervisor or documenting the incident, are important steps to follow within the overall protocol of managing medication errors, they must come after ensuring the individual's immediate health and safety. The priority in such emergencies is to address the medical issue first, as quick response times can significantly affect the outcome for the individual experiencing the crisis. Thus, alerting emergency services should be the first step taken in addressing a life-threatening situation caused by a medication error.