What are the emergency measures for carbon monoxide poisoning?
Oct 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingli
Introduction
Carbon or carbon-containing materials produce carbon monoxide when incompletely burned in an oxygen-deficient environment. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Once symptoms of poisoning appear, it is essential to immediately leave the hazardous environment. Winter is a high-risk season for carbon monoxide poisoning, so it is important to enhance safety awareness and use gas, coal, and related appliances properly and safely.
Under normal circumstances, carbon or carbon-containing materials produce carbon monoxide when burned in an oxygen-deficient environment. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Once poisoning symptoms appear, the individual must immediately be removed from the hazardous environment. The specific steps are as follows:
1. If a person is found to have carbon monoxide poisoning, shut off or move the source of carbon monoxide and call 120 for emergency medical assistance promptly.
2. Open doors and windows indoors to improve ventilation and allow fresh air to enter. Try to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide in the indoor air as much as possible, then observe the patient's symptoms.
3. If the patient has lost consciousness or shows signs of poisoning, immediately move them to an open outdoor area. Place them in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking from vomiting. If possible, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by pinching the patient’s nose and breathing into their mouth.
4. Carbon monoxide poisoning may cause hypothermia, so it is important to keep the victim warm. Use available clothing or blankets to cover the body and minimize heat loss.
Winter is the peak season for carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, it is essential to enhance safety awareness, use gas and coal appliances properly, maintain good indoor ventilation, and seek immediate medical attention if any abnormal symptoms of poisoning occur.
