Final answer:
Patients who have inhaled poison require prompt transport to an emergency department due to potential progressive lung damage, delayed symptoms, and the need for intensive care to restore lung function.
Step-by-step explanation:
All patients who have inhaled poison require prompt transport to an emergency department for several reasons. First, some inhaled agents cause progressive lung damage which can lead to respiratory symptoms and complications. Second, the damage to the patient may not be evident for several hours, as there can be a latent period before symptoms appear. Finally, it may take several days or more of intensive care to restore normal lung function, depending on the severity of the poisoning.