Contents
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is released during the incomplete combustion of fuel, as well as any other organic matter. This gas is formed as a result of combustion in conditions of oxygen deficiency. In the open air, carbon monoxide quickly dissipates, while in enclosed spaces, with oxygen deficiency, it can accumulate in large quantities.
The main danger of carbon monoxide is that through the lungs it enters the bloodstream, where it binds strongly to hemoglobin and prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin. This leads to oxygen starvation of tissues and organs.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and cannot be detected. The victim may not pay attention to the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – weakness, yawning, drowsiness. Weakness increases with increasing concentration of carbon monoxide. Against the background of weakness, you want to sleep, which can be very dangerous and lead to death.
Strongly connecting with hemoglobin, carbon monoxide causes hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of brain cells, as a result of which lethargy, drowsiness develops, which are joined by headache, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged inhalation of carbon monoxide in some cases can lead to heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and in severe poisoning, convulsions, coma and death.
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
It is very important to provide first aid to the victim in time. Necessary:
- immediately take the victim out of the room to fresh air, and if this is not possible, put on a gas mask or give an oxygen bag;
- facilitate breathing, if necessary, clear the airways of mucus, vomit, unfasten tight clothing, lay on its side in order to prevent the tongue from falling;
- stimulate breathing, give ammonia. Warm hands and feet at low temperatures.
It is important to immediately call an ambulance, even if the person, in your opinion, is in a satisfactory condition. Timely medical assistance will prevent complications that may develop later.
In a serious condition, it is necessary to independently carry out resuscitation measures – artificial respiration and indirect heart massage.
Immediately take the victim out of the room to fresh air, and if this is not possible, put on a gas mask or give an oxygen bag;
Facilitate breathing, if necessary, clear the airways of mucus, vomit, unfasten tight clothing, lay on its side in order to prevent the tongue from sinking;
Stimulate breathing, give ammonia. Warm hands and feet at low temperatures.
Methods for treating carbon monoxide poisoning
In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, urgent hospitalization is necessary in all cases. Already in stationary conditions, oxygen therapy is performed by supplying an oxygen mixture. In order to remove toxins from the body, the patient is prescribed intravenous infusions of special solutions. To reduce the symptoms of poisoning, drugs that support the work of the heart, vitamins, and, if necessary, anticonvulsant drugs are prescribed.
Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning
In order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the following rules must be followed:
- do not use faulty gas stoves, fireplaces, stoves and electrical appliances;
- regularly check the health of the ventilation system, clean the chimney;
- do not stay near highways for a long time;
- in the garage, tunnel, when staying in the car for a long time, always turn off the engine;
- do not sleep in a car with the engine running.
- at the slightest suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning – ventilate the room, go out into fresh air. Do not go to bed if you feel weak, drowsy, dizzy.
At the slightest suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning, provide fresh air as soon as possible, do not go to bed if you feel weak, have a headache or feel sick.