Lethal dose of gas for humans. What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, how to provide first aid? Immediate action upon discovery of casualties

If poisoning occurs carbon monoxide , then we are talking about a serious pathological condition. It develops if a certain concentration enters the body carbon monoxide .

This condition is dangerous to health and life, and if you do not turn to specialists for help in a timely manner, death from carbon monoxide can occur.

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide, CO) is a product that is released during combustion and enters the atmosphere. Since poison gas has no smell or taste, and it is impossible to determine its presence in the air, it is very dangerous. In addition, it can penetrate soil, walls, filters. Many are interested in the question, carbon monoxide is heavier or lighter than air, the answer is that it is lighter than air.

That is why it is possible to determine that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is exceeded using special devices. It is also possible to suspect CO poisoning if a person develops some signs rapidly.

In urban conditions, the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is increased by vehicle exhaust gases. But car exhaust poisoning can only occur at high concentrations.

How CO affects the body?

This gas enters the blood very quickly and actively binds to. As a result, it produces carboxyhemoglobin , which is more closely related to hemoglobin than oxyhemoglobin (oxygen and hemoglobin). The resulting substance blocks the transfer of oxygen to tissue cells. As a result, it develops hemic type.

Carbon monoxide in the body binds to myoglobin (it is a protein of skeletal muscles and heart muscle). As a result, the pumping function of the heart decreases, and severe muscle weakness develops.

Also carbon monoxide enters into oxidative reactions, which disrupts the normal biochemical balance in the tissues.

Where can carbon monoxide poisoning occur?

Many situations can occur in which carbon monoxide poisoning is possible:

• poisoning by combustion products during a fire;
• in rooms where gas equipment is operated, and there is no normal ventilation, there is not enough supply air, which is necessary for normal gas combustion;
• in those industries where CO is involved in the reactions of synthesis of substances ( acetone , phenol );
• in places where automobile exhaust gases can accumulate due to insufficient ventilation - in tunnels, garages, etc.;
• at home, when there is a leakage of lighting gas;
• when staying near very busy highways for a long time;
• with prolonged use of a kerosene lamp, if the room is not ventilated;
• if the stove damper of the home stove, fireplace, sauna stove was closed too early;
• when using breathing apparatus with low-quality air.

Who can suffer from hypersensitivity to CO?

• people who have been diagnosed with exhaustion of the body;
• those who suffer , ;
• future mothers;
• teenagers, children;
• those who smoke a lot;
• people who abuse alcohol.

You should know that organs and systems in case of carbon monoxide poisoning are more quickly affected in women. The symptoms of poisoning are very similar. methane .

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

The following describes the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in humans, depending on the concentration of CO. Symptoms of household gas poisoning and poisoning from other sources manifest themselves in different ways, and by the way carbon monoxide (not carbon dioxide, as it is sometimes mistakenly called) acts on a person, one can assume how strong its concentration was in the air. However, carbon dioxide in high concentrations can also lead to poisoning and the manifestation of a number of alarming symptoms.

Concentration up to 0.009%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 3-5 hours:

• decrease in the speed of psychomotor reactions;
• increased blood flow in vital organs;
• in people with heart failure in severe form, chest pain is also noted.

Concentration up to 0.019%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 6 hours:

• performance decreases;
• shortness of breath with moderate physical exertion;
• headache , slightly pronounced;
• visual impairment;
• the death of those who suffer from severe heart failure is possible, and fetal death can also occur.

Concentration 0.019-0.052%

• severe throbbing headache;
• irritability, instability of the emotional state;
• nausea;
• impaired attention, memory;
• fine motor problems.

Concentration up to 0.069%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:

• vision problems;
• worse headache pain;
• confusion;
• weakness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• runny nose.

Concentration 0.069-0.094%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:

• severe dysmotility (ataxia);
• appearance;
• strong rapid breathing.

Concentration 0.1%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:

• weak pulse;
• a state of fainting;
• convulsions;
• breathing becomes rare and superficial;
• condition .

Concentration 0.15%

Clinical manifestations are observed after 1.5 hours. Manifestations are similar to the previous description.

Concentration 0.17%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5 hours.

Manifestations are similar to the previous description.

Concentration 0.2-0.29%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5 hours:

• convulsions appear;
• there is respiratory depression and cardiac activity;
• coma ;
• death is likely.

Concentration 0.49-0.99%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 2-5 minutes:

• no reflexes;
• pulse thready;
• deep coma;
• death.

Concentration 1.2%

Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5-3 minutes:

• convulsions;
• lack of consciousness;
• vomit;
• death.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

The table below summarizes the signs that appear with different degrees of poisoning:

The mechanism of development of symptoms

The manifestation of symptoms of various types is associated with exposure to carbon monoxide. Let us consider in more detail the symptoms of various types and the features of the mechanisms of their manifestation.

neurological

The greatest sensitivity to hypoxia show nerve cells as well as the brain. That is why the development of dizziness, nausea, headache indicate that oxygen starvation of cells occurs. More severe neurological symptoms appear as a result of severe or irreversible damage to the nerve structures. In this case, convulsions, impaired consciousness occur.

Respiratory

When breathing quickens, the compensatory mechanism “turns on”. However, if the respiratory center is damaged after poisoning, the respiratory movements become superficial and ineffective.

Cardiovascular

Due to the lack of oxygen, more active cardiac activity is noted, that is, tachycardia . But due to hypoxia of the heart muscle, pain in the heart can also occur. If such pain becomes acute, it means that oxygen has completely stopped flowing to the myocardium.

Dermal

Due to a very strong compensatory blood flow to the head, the mucous membranes and skin of the head become blue-red.

If mild or moderate carbon monoxide poisoning or natural gas poisoning has occurred, then for a long time a person may experience: dizziness and headaches. Also, his memory, intellectual abilities are deteriorating, emotional fluctuations are noted, since during poisoning the gray and white matter of the brain is affected.

The consequences of severe poisoning, as a rule, are irreversible. Very often, such lesions end in death. In this case, the following severe manifestations are noted:

• subarachnoid hemorrhages;
• disorders of a skin-trophic nature (edema and tissue);
• cerebral edema ;
• violation of cerebral hemodynamics;
• deterioration of vision and hearing up to complete loss;
• polyneuritis ;
• pneumonia in severe form, which complicates coma;

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

First of all, emergency care for carbon monoxide poisoning involves the immediate cessation of human contact with the gas that poisons the body, as well as the restoration of all important body functions. It is extremely important that the person who provides first aid does not become poisoned in the course of these actions. Therefore, if possible, it is necessary to put on a gas mask, and only after that go to the room where the poisoning occurred.

Before the start of PMP, it is necessary to take out or remove the one who suffered from the room in which the concentration of carbon monoxide is increased. You need to clearly understand what CO is what kind of gas, and how quickly it can harm the body. And since each breath of poisoned air will only increase negative symptoms, it is necessary to deliver the victim to fresh air as soon as possible.

No matter how quickly and professionally the first aid is provided, even if the person feels relatively well, it is necessary to call an ambulance. There is no need to be deceived by the fact that the victim is joking and laughing, because such a reaction can be provoked by the action of carbon monoxide on the vital centers of the nervous system. Only a professional doctor can clearly assess the patient's condition and understand what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If the degree of poisoning is mild, the victim should be given strong tea, warm it up and ensure complete rest.

If confusion is noted, or it is absent at all, you should lay the person on his side on a flat surface, make sure that he receives an influx of fresh air by unbuttoning his belt, collar, underwear. Give a sniff of ammonia, holding the cotton at a distance of 1 cm.

In the absence of a heartbeat and breathing, artificial respiration should be carried out, a sternum massage should be done in the projection of the heart.

In an emergency, you can't act rashly. If there are still people in a burning building, you cannot save them on your own, as this can lead to an increase in the number of victims. It is important to immediately call the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Even after a few breaths of CO poisoned air, death can occur. Therefore, it is a mistake to believe that a wet rag or gauze mask can protect against the harmful effects of carbon monoxide. Only a gas mask can prevent the lethal effects of CO.

Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning

Do not practice after poisoning treatment at home. A person in such a situation needs the help of specialists.

Provided that the victim is in a critical condition, doctors carry out a set of resuscitation measures. Immediately injected intramuscularly 1 ml of antidote 6%. The victim must be taken to the hospital.

It is important that in such conditions the patient is provided with complete rest. He is provided with breathing with pure oxygen (partial pressure 1.5-2 atm.) Or carbogen (composition - 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide). This procedure is carried out for 3-6 hours.

Further, it is important to ensure the restoration of the functions of the central nervous system and other organs. The treatment regimen prescribed by a specialist depends on how severe the patient's condition is and whether the pathological reactions that occurred after the poisoning are reversible.

In order to prevent natural gas and CO poisoning, it is important to follow very carefully those rules that will help prevent dangerous situations.

• If there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during certain work, they should only be carried out in rooms that are well ventilated.
• Carefully check the dampers of fireplaces, stoves, do not close them completely until the firewood is burned.
• In a room where CO poisoning can potentially occur, it is necessary to install autonomous gas detectors.
• If possible contact with carbon monoxide is planned, one capsule should be taken. Acizola half an hour before such contact. The protective effect will last up to two and a half hours after taking the capsule.

Acizol is a domestically produced medicine that is an effective and fast-acting antidote against acute CO poisoning. It creates an obstacle in the body for the formation carboxyhemoglobin , and also speeds up the process of removing carbon monoxide.

The sooner Acizol is administered intramuscularly in case of poisoning, the greater the chances of a person to survive. Also, this medicine increases the effectiveness of those measures that will subsequently be taken for resuscitation and treatment.

conclusions

Thus, carbon monoxide poisoning is a very dangerous condition. The higher the gas concentration, the more likely the death. Therefore, it is very important to be extremely careful to comply with all the rules of prevention, and at the first suspicion of such poisoning, immediately call for emergency care.

Accidents can happen to anyone. They cannot always be prevented, so it is useful for everyone to know what to do if such a situation occurs with a loved one or a stranger.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common and dangerous accident..

Carbon monoxide is a combustion product that pollutes the air. When it enters the lungs, it causes great harm to the human body. Code according to the international classification of diseases ICD-10: T58 - toxic effect of carbon monoxide.

Poisoning with this product is life-threatening, because the substance itself is imperceptible. By the time the first symptoms appear, the organs are already suffering.

When such an unpleasant situation arises as carbon monoxide poisoning, home treatment can be used, but only after examination by health workers and agreement with the doctor.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs instantly. If you do not immediately provide emergency care correctly, a person dies after 3 minutes at a gas concentration in the air of 1.2%.

The body is affected instantly, as the substance is colorless and odorless. Even a gas mask cannot protect against harmful effects.

As a result of severe exhaust gas damage, red blood cells are the first to suffer. They cannot carry oxygen to tissues and organs, which leads to severe hypoxia. The rapid reaction of the nervous system to this condition malfunctions - these are the first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Then the muscles of the heart and skeleton are affected. Therefore, the victim cannot move, and the heart does not pump blood well. Necessary actions in case of carbon monoxide poisoning should be carried out immediately. Otherwise, the consequences may become irreversible.

The most common causes of poisoning with this substance:

1. Carrying out car repairs in a room that is not ventilated. This provokes damage to the lungs by exhaust gases.
2. Operation of faulty heaters, poisoning with household gases.
3. The outbreak of a fire in an enclosed space.
4. Lack of good extraction.

Symptoms of pathology

The characteristic signs of poisoning must be known in order to provide emergency assistance in time and correctly.

Symptoms of a mild degree of poisoning appear quite quickly as follows:

Obvious signs of an average degree of intoxication:

• weakness;
• drowsiness;
• feeling tired;
• noise in ears;
• muscle paralysis.

Symptoms of acute poisoning:

• loss of consciousness;
• uncontrolled urination and defecation;
• respiratory failure;
• convulsions;
• cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes;
• dilated pupils, poor reaction to light sources;
• coma state.

Untimely assistance can lead to death. In case of mild to moderate poisoning, irreversible consequences of intoxication may remain:

• frequent dizziness;
• acute headache;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• stop in development;
• memory loss;
• decrease in intellectual abilities.

In acute poisoning, the following disorders often occur:

• deterioration of blood circulation in the brain;
• polyneuritis;
• swelling of the brain;
• deterioration of hearing and vision or their complete loss;
• toxic pulmonary edema, which turns into severe pneumonia.

People most at risk:

1. Those who abuse alcohol.
2. Smoking tobacco products indoors.
3. Asthma sufferers.
4. Suffering from nervous and physical stress.
5. Pregnant women and children.

To save the victim and minimize the negative consequences, you should know how first aid is provided for carbon monoxide poisoning before the ambulance arrives.

Action algorithm:

There is a special remedy - Acizol, which must be taken in case of carbon monoxide poisoning. Such a drug is available from the ambulance team and is administered by injection intramuscularly.

It is quite effective against acute carbon monoxide poisoning in lethal doses. The faster Acizol is administered, the more likely the victim is to survive and the effectiveness of subsequent treatment procedures.

Carbon monoxide poisoning. How to neutralize the "silent killer"

Treatment of the consequences of poisoning with fumes can be carried out at home after the victim has received qualified help from specialists and permission is at home. To do this, you need to know what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Treatment with folk methods is as effective as medication and is able to restore health in a short time. But it should be used under the supervision of doctors and after their approval.

Natural products are popular because of their safety and environmental friendliness. But each ingredient from traditional medicine recipes has certain properties that can ambiguously affect the human body.

Therefore, for safety reasons, it is better to get the approval of a doctor. The most effective means:

The consequences of pathology are very severe and difficult to eliminate. Even after effective treatment, a certain time it is necessary to observe the victim.

To avoid an unpleasant and dangerous situation, you must follow some preventive measures:

It is important to be vigilant and understand that carbon monoxide poisoning is a life-threatening condition. Greater risk of death and irreversible complications.

Everything can be solved in time and correctly provided first aid and adequate treatment under the supervision of doctors, even at home. You don't have to compromise on your safety.

After all, failure to comply with elementary safety rules leads to death or serious consequences for life.

In our article we will analyze the question of what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning? On how correctly and quickly first aid is provided to the victim, not only his further health often depends, but also whether he will survive.

What is carbon monoxide?

"Silent killer" - so people call carbon monoxide. This is one of the most powerful poisons that can kill a living creature in just a few minutes. The chemical formula of this gaseous compound is CO (one carbon atom and one oxygen atom). Another name for carbon monoxide is carbon monoxide. This air mixture is colorless and odorless.

CO is formed from any type of combustion: from burning fuel at heat and power plants, from burning a fire or a gas stove, from the operation of an internal combustion engine, from the smoldering fire of a cigarette, etc.

The toxic properties of carbon monoxide have been known to mankind since ancient times. Our distant ancestors were well aware of how dangerous it is to turn off the stove draft when the firewood is not completely burned out. Wanting to keep more heat, the unreasonable owner hurried to close the damper, the whole family went to bed, and the next morning they did not wake up.

With the development of civilization, the danger associated with carbon monoxide has not decreased. Indeed, now instead of stoves in the homes of modern people, gas boilers and stoves are actively working, cars are puffing with poisonous fumes on the streets and in garages, and reports of tragic accidents associated with CO poisoning periodically appear in the news.

How does carbon monoxide affect the human body?

Carbon monoxide has the ability to bind hemoglobin molecules, thereby preventing the blood from carrying oxygen. The longer a person breathes poisonous air, which contains carbon monoxide, the faster the pathological process develops. Carboxyhemoglobin is formed in the blood. The cells of the body do not receive life-giving oxygen, a headache appears, a person begins to experience suffocation, consciousness is confused. The victim does not realize what is happening to him, in this case, self-administration of first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning becomes impossible. Help must come from other people.

It takes a long time for hemoglobin to be completely cleared of carbon monoxide. The danger to life is directly related to the increase in the concentration of CO in the air and the concentration of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood. If the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the air is only 0.02-0.03%, then after 5-6 hours the content of carboxyhemoglobin in human blood will be 25-30%.

Rescue actions in case of carbon monoxide poisoning must be very fast, because if the concentration of CO2 reaches only 0.5%, carboxyhemoglobin will rise to lethal values ​​in 20-30 minutes.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The toxic effects of CO on the body can be manifested by the following symptoms:

1. When a person is poisoned with carbon monoxide in a mild degree, he may feel weakness, tinnitus, headache, nausea, and the urge to vomit. These signals are evidence of oxygen starvation experienced by the brain.
2. With moderate poisoning, the symptoms of intoxication increase. There is trembling in the muscles, short-term memory loss, impaired coordination of movements. A person may cease to distinguish colors, objects begin to split in two in the eyes. Later, the respiratory function and the work of the circulatory system are disturbed. The victim develops tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmia. If a person does not receive prompt help at this stage, then loss of consciousness and subsequent death occurs.
3. A severe degree of CO poisoning is accompanied by irreversible damage to brain cells. The victim may fall into a coma and stay in it for a week or more. At this time, the patient has severe convulsive seizures, uncontrolled urination and defecation. Breathing is usually shallow and intermittent, body temperature rises to 38-39 degrees. Perhaps the onset of respiratory paralysis and the onset of death. The prognosis of survival depends on the depth and duration of the coma.

When can CO poisoning occur?

With normal ventilation and a well-functioning extractor, carbon monoxide is quickly removed from the room without causing any harm to the people there. Nevertheless, according to statistics, more than one and a half million people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning in the world. In some cases, this happens for reasons beyond human control, for example, in case of a fire. Usually, people caught in a fire lose consciousness by inhaling the deadly gas and cannot get out of the fire trap themselves.

CO poisoning is also possible under the following cases and circumstances:

• In rooms with stove or fireplace heating (residential buildings, baths, etc.) if the exhaust dampers are not closed in time or if the hood is poor.
• In rooms where gas appliances work (water-flow heaters, stoves, gas boilers, heat generators with an open combustion chamber); if there is insufficient air flow necessary for the combustion of gas, as well as if the draft in the chimney is disturbed.
• In production shops, where CO is used as a working substance for the synthesis of certain organic substances (phenol, methyl alcohol, acetone, etc.).
• When you stay near a busy highway or directly on it for a long time (on most major highways, CO levels in the air can exceed the permissible limits by several times).
• In garages, when the car engine is running and there is no ventilation.

Carbon monoxide poisoning - first aid

It is important to act very quickly, remembering that the countdown is not just minutes, but even seconds. What should be done in case of carbon monoxide poisoning in the first place? The sequence of actions should be as follows:

1. Quickly open all windows and doors and take the person out of the room.
2. Call a specialized ambulance team. When making a call, you need to describe the problem as clearly as possible to the operator receiving the call so that medics with the necessary equipment are sent to the victim.
3. If a person has lost consciousness due to carbon monoxide poisoning, it is necessary to lay him on his side. Next, bring a cotton wool soaked in ammonia to his nose (at a distance of 2 cm from the nostrils) and gently wave it. Remember that if ammonia is brought too close, then the powerful effect of ammonia can lead to paralysis of the respiratory center.
4. If a person is not breathing, then artificial respiration should be started immediately. If the victim not only lost consciousness, but he also has no signs of cardiac activity, then artificial respiration should be supplemented with an indirect heart massage. Such first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning should be done until the arrival of the medical team or until the person begins to actively show signs of life.
5. In the event that the poisoned person is conscious, he must be laid down and try to ensure the maximum flow of fresh air. For this purpose, you can fan it with a newspaper, turn on the air conditioner and the fan. A warm heating pad or mustard plasters should be placed at the feet. An alkaline drink can bring considerable benefit to the victim (1 liter of warm water - 1 tablespoon of soda).

What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, how to provide first aid, we found out. Now let's talk about another very important point: it is important for people involved in providing assistance to protect themselves. When taking a person out of a poisoned room, you need to cover your airways with gauze or a handkerchief.

What treatment is provided in the hospital?

Victims who have received an average or severe degree of poisoning are subject to mandatory hospitalization. The main antidote is 100% oxygen. Its uninterrupted intake into the body in the amount of 9-16 l / min. occurs through a special mask placed on the face of the patient.

In severe cases, the victim undergoes tracheal intubation and is connected to a ventilator. In a hospital, infusion therapy is also carried out using a course of droppers with sodium bicarbonate - this helps to correct hemodynamic disorders. For intravenous infusion, Chlosol and Quartasol solutions are also used.

Another drug used by doctors to help a victim with carbon monoxide poisoning is Acizol. This drug is injected into the body intramuscularly. Its action is based on accelerating the breakdown of carboxyhemoglobin with simultaneous saturation of the blood with oxygen. "Acyzol" reduces the toxic effect of CO on muscle tissue and nerve cells.

Helping with carbon monoxide poisoning with the help of folk remedies

The following traditional medicine recipes can be used at home for mild carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some easy-to-make home remedies that have highly effective anti-toxic properties:

1. Dandelion tincture (only the roots are used). To prepare the infusion, 10 g of finely ground dry raw materials should be poured with a glass of boiling water. Boil about 20 min. and then leave for 40 minutes. After strain and dilute with warm water (100 ml). Take the remedy 3 or 4 times a day for a tablespoon.
2. Cranberry tincture. What to do after carbon monoxide poisoning with it? First, for cooking, you will need 200 g of lingonberries and 150 g of rose hips. The ingredients are ground as thoroughly as possible and 350 ml of boiling water is poured. Infuse the berries for 3 hours, then strain the remedy and consume inside 5 to 6 times a day, 2 tbsp. spoons.
3. Knotweed herb tincture. 3 art. tablespoons of crushed dry knotweed are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water. Insist for at least 3 hours, then strain and drink 3 times a day in a glass.
4. Tincture of Rhodiola rosea in alcohol. This drug does not need to be prepared independently, it is sold at any pharmacy. The method of administration is as follows: 7-12 drops are added to a glass of water. Drink half a cup twice a day.

Preventive measures to prevent CO poisoning

As already mentioned, carbon monoxide is often the culprit in the death of people. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need not only to know what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, but also try to follow preventive measures, which are as follows:

• The condition of chimneys and ventilation shafts must be checked regularly. It is especially important to pay attention to this before the start of the heating season.
• Before starting to use appliances that use combustible fuels, you should always check their serviceability. Early detection of damage will help to avoid many problems.
• In the event that the room is poorly ventilated, additional measures must be taken to ventilate it regularly.
• Do not start the car in a closed, unventilated garage or sleep in a car with the engine running.
• Purchase a special sensor that reacts to CO leakage and install it in a house or apartment.
• Try to avoid being near busy highways, especially during their busiest hours.

carbon monoxide sensor

As already mentioned, the presence of carbon monoxide in the air cannot be detected using one's own senses. To protect yourself and your loved ones from trouble, you can purchase a carbon monoxide detector. This small device will perform vigilant control over the composition of the air in the room. After all, first aid in case of poisoning a person with carbon monoxide should be almost instantaneous, otherwise you may not have time.

In the event that the CO indicators exceed the prescribed norm, the sensor will notify the owners with sound and light signals. Such devices are household and industrial. The latter have a more complex device and are designed for large areas.

Risk group

To some extent, we are all at risk and, under certain circumstances, we can suffer from SA. Therefore, each of us should know well what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, there are a number of professions whose representatives are most at risk. These include:

• welders;
• taxi drivers;
• auto repair workers;
• diesel engine operators;
• firefighters;
• employees of breweries, boiler houses;
• personnel of steel, oil refining, pulp and paper industries, etc.

Conclusion

It is very important to know what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning. In difficult situations, people with the necessary knowledge and skills can bring the most help to victims. The main thing is not to panic, but to act as quickly as possible, clearly and consistently.

Article content: classList.toggle()">expand

Carbon monoxide poisoning (carbon monoxide) is a dangerous condition for human health and life. In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, first aid is required as soon as possible and qualified treatment is required. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Therefore, it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to determine its presence in the atmosphere.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

If a person has been poisoned with carbon monoxide, it is necessary to immediately provide him with first aid.

It is mandatory to call an ambulance team, even if the patient's condition does not cause concern.

In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is necessary to provide first aid:

• Stop contact of the victim with toxic air. To do this, it is necessary to immediately withdraw or remove a person from the zone of pollution by combustion products. However, the person who provides assistance must take care of himself. That is, to protect your respiratory tract from the penetration of poison. To do this, put on a gas mask or cover your mouth and nose with a cloth moistened with water;
• When a person is outside the infection zone, assess his condition;
• If a person is conscious, then it is necessary to wrap him up, warm him up and give him hot sweet tea to drink. Wait with him for the arrival of the Ambulance, do not leave him alone;
• If the patient is unconscious or confused, then lay him on his side. This will prevent aspiration of vomit, if any. Control the pulse and breathing and give a sniff of a cotton swab moistened with ammonia;
• If there is no pulse or breathing, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose is carried out, and mouth-to-nose for children under one year old. Resuscitation measures are carried out until the pulse and breathing resume, or until the arrival of doctors.

For first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning, see the video:

Emergency assistance to the victim

Upon arrival of the ambulance team, first aid is provided in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning:

Groups of patients who are subject to mandatory hospitalization in a hospital:

• Patients who have had loss of consciousness, even for a short time;
• Hypothermia, that is, a person's body temperature is below normal (36.6 degrees);
• The presence of such alarming symptoms as hallucinations, delirium, impaired coordination and motor activity;
• Patients who have registered clinical death (respiratory and cardiac arrest);
• Children and pregnant women in any condition;
• People suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Antidote for poisoning

An antidote is a remedy that significantly weakens or completely stops the toxic effect of a poison on the body.

Antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning is 6% Acizol. What is Azizol? It is a fast-acting drug that promotes:

• blocking the formation of carboxyhemoglobin. This is a substance that blocks the ability of the blood to carry oxygen around the body;
• Cleansing the body of a poisonous substance - carbon monoxide.

The antidote for poisoning with combustion products must be administered as early as possible, this will help to avoid dangerous complications.

Algorithm for the introduction of Acizol into the body of the victim:

• The introduction of the drug intramuscularly immediately or soon after the evacuation of the victim from the area of ​​contamination with combustion products. 1 milliliter of Acizol solution is introduced;
• Re-introduction of the antidote 1 hour after the first injection.

It is possible to use an antidote for prophylactic purposes. To do this, 1 milliliter of the drug is administered intramuscularly half an hour before entering the contaminated room.

How does carbon monoxide affect the body?

Carbon monoxide negatively affects the entire body. This substance quickly penetrates the blood of the victim, even after a couple of breaths.

The longer a person breathes poisoned air, the more severe his condition and the more likely the development of dangerous complications and death.

What happens in the body when carbon dioxide enters it?

• Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood. This creates carboxyhemoglobin. This compound prevents the binding and transfer of oxygen to the cells and tissues of the body. Which leads to hypoxia. First of all, the brain suffers, which is very sensitive to lack of oxygen;
• This toxic substance disrupts the biochemical balance and metabolic processes in tissues;
• It reacts with muscle protein- myoglobin. This leads to disruption of the heart muscle, as the muscle tissue weakens and cannot fully pump blood. Nutrition is disrupted in tissues and organs.

Signs and symptoms of intoxication

The clinical picture of poisoning depends on the severity of the patient's condition. Which, in turn, is closely related to the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and the duration of its contact with a person. There are 3 degrees of severity of carbon monoxide poisoning: mild, moderate, severe.

Faster signs of poisoning occur in weakened people, children and pregnant women.

Causes of poisoning

You can get poisoned by carbon monoxide both at home and at work. In fact, danger can lie in wait anywhere at any moment. Intoxication can occur accidentally or intentionally (for the purpose of suicide).

Let's highlight some of the main causes of human poisoning with carbon monoxide:

• Inhalation of combustion products. Poisoning occurs during a fire, when a person is in a smoky room and inhales smoke;
• In production where this gas is actively used and safety precautions are violated. That is, gas leaks occur due to faulty equipment, poor ventilation or its complete absence, and so on;

• In places with a large congestion of cars. Exhaust gases accumulate there, and prolonged exposure to them leads to poisoning. These places include: garages, busy highways, underground parking lots, tunnels;
• Domestic gas leakage in apartments and houses;
• Prolonged use of kerosene lamps in an unventilated area;
• In houses and rooms with stove heating in case of its malfunction or untimely closing of the damper.

Possible Complications

Poisoning does not pass without a trace, and even with mild intoxication, certain consequences are observed.

Complications that can occur with mild and moderate intoxication:

• chronic headaches and meteosensitivity, that is, a person feels worse due to weather changes;
• Frequent dizziness;
• Decline in cognitive abilities. That is, memory, attention, perception of new information worsens;
• Deterioration of vision;
• Emotional instability(frequent outbursts of anger, anger, which are replaced by apathy).

Complications that occur with severe intoxication:

• Hemorrhages in the brain;
• swelling of brain tissue;
• Acute myocardial infarction against the background of hypoxia;
• Inflammation of the airways (severe bronchitis, pneumonia);
• Coma is the most severe consequence of poisoning, which can result in the death of the patient.

How to detect carbon monoxide indoors

It is not possible to detect carbon monoxide indoors without special devices, since it has no taste, no smell, no color.

You should be wary of smelling smoke (even barely perceptible) and feeling worse for no apparent reason (nausea, vomiting, weakness).

Gas analyzers are used to determine carbon monoxide in the air. Which can be purchased in specialized stores. However, most often they are installed in production or in private houses with stove heating.

Due to the difficulty of its detection, the Ministry of Emergency Situations recommends that all precautions be observed, namely:

• Keep ventilation in proper condition and periodically check its functionality;
• Monitor the serviceability of stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and gas equipment;
• Ventilate the room;
• Observe safety precautions at work.

is a pathological condition that occurs when inhaling air or smoke saturated with carbon monoxide. The clinical picture is dominated by disorders of the central nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular insufficiency. A characteristic sign of poisoning is a bright hyperemia of the skin. The diagnosis is established on the basis of anamnesis data, clinical manifestations, determination of the level of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood. As an emergency, oxygen therapy and detoxification measures are carried out. Further symptomatic conservative treatment is carried out.

ICD-10

T58X47

General information

Poisoning with carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, develops when its maximum permissible concentration (0.08 mg / liter) in the inhaled air is exceeded. The severity of intoxication directly depends on the content of this chemical compound in the surrounding atmosphere and exposure time. Inhalation of air saturated with carbon monoxide (3-5 mg / l) for half an hour provokes severe poisoning. The intake of a mixture of gases containing 14 mg / l of carbon monoxide into the respiratory organs leads to death within 1-3 minutes. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the four most common poisonings, behind alcohol, drug and drug intoxication. Occurs in everyday life and at work.

The reasons

Any process of incomplete combustion of organic substances is accompanied by the release of carbon monoxide. Most often, poisoning by combustion products, including carbon monoxide, occurs during a fire. In addition, due to the lack of organoleptic properties of this gas, its leakage becomes imperceptible to humans. Pregnant women, children and people with diseases of the cardiovascular system are most susceptible to harmful effects. The following factors contribute to exceeding the maximum allowable carbon monoxide content in a room:

• Household. In everyday life, carbon monoxide intoxication occurs due to improper use of the stove, gas equipment, and smoldering electrical wiring. Another common cause is being in a closed garage next to a car with a running engine. Often, signs of poisoning are observed in hookah smokers.
• Production. Excessive toxin enters the air during blasting in mines, maintenance of blast and open-hearth furnaces, and the synthesis of certain chemicals. Poisoning usually occurs when sanitary and hygienic requirements are not observed and equipment operation rules are violated.

Pathogenesis

When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the respiratory system, where it diffuses into the blood. The gas has a high affinity for hemoglobin, myoglobin and iron-containing enzymes of the human body. It easily reacts with hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin unable to transport oxygen to tissues. Hypoxia develops. The slowing down of the dissociation of the oxygen compound with hemoglobin in the presence of carboxyhemoglobin exacerbates the oxygen starvation of all organs and tissues. At the same time, biochemical processes occurring with the participation of iron-containing enzymes are disturbed. Underoxidized metabolic products accumulate, which have an additional toxic effect on the central nervous system and other organs.

At pathological anatomical examination, the bright red color of the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs attracts attention. There are signs of edema of the brain, lungs. Congestive plethora of internal organs is revealed. In the heart, lungs, brain, pinpoint hemorrhages, areas of degeneration and necrosis are found.

Classification

The disease can be acute and chronic. Its course depends on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and the time of its exposure. With a significant excess of permissible norms for a short period of time, acute poisoning occurs. Long-term regular inhalation of air with a slightly elevated content of carbon monoxide provokes the development of a chronic process. Depending on the severity of clinical manifestations, 3 degrees of poisoning are distinguished:

• Easy degree. It is characterized by transient pathological symptoms that disappear after the cessation of harmful effects. Individual manifestations may persist for days. The concentration of the pathological form of hemoglobin does not exceed 30%.
• Average degree. It develops at 30-40% of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood. Signs of poisoning are pronounced. After the provision of medical care, the symptoms stop. Residual effects disturb the victim for several days.
• Severe degree. The level of carboxyhemoglobin is 40-50%. There are severe lesions of organs and systems, often leading to death. Complications often develop. Symptoms of the disease persist for several weeks.

In addition to the classic form of carbon monoxide intoxication, sometimes there are atypical variants of poisoning, masquerading as other pathological conditions. According to clinical symptoms, experts in the field of toxicology and resuscitation distinguish between fulminant, euphoric, syncopal forms of the disease. A separate item is gunpowder disease, in which the toxic effect of carbon monoxide is observed along with other explosive and powder gases.

Symptoms

Due to the low tolerance of the brain to oxygen starvation in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, neurological symptoms come to the fore. With a mild degree of intoxication, the victim is worried about a pressing headache. It is localized mainly in the temporal and frontal regions. Accompanied by dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus. Headaches are often accompanied by visual disturbances. Patients complain of double vision, inadequate color perception. The gait becomes shaky, the speed of reactions decreases.

With further exposure to the toxin, the severity is aggravated, tonic and clonic convulsions, hyperthermia appear, consciousness is depressed up to a coma. Subsequently, retrograde amnesia is observed. From the side of the cardiovascular system, tachycardia, rhythm and conduction disturbances of the heart are detected. Often, the patient is disturbed by intense pains of a pressing and compressive nature behind the sternum and in the left half of the chest. With the appearance of bronchitis or toxic pneumonia, shortness of breath, dry cough, and a significant increase in temperature are observed.

The euphoric form of the disease is characterized by psychomotor agitation. The elated mood of the victim and the lack of criticism of his condition is replaced by delirium and hallucinations, followed by a violation of consciousness. The syncopal variant is characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, collapse. With a lightning-fast course of poisoning, very quickly after a short episode of convulsions, loss of consciousness and death occurs. Gunpowder disease is manifested by signs of irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nasopharynx, trachea and bronchi, along with symptoms of the harmful effects of carbon monoxide.

There are no specific signs of chronic poisoning by poisonous gas. The variability of symptoms of general intoxication of the body is characteristic. Patients suffer from frequent headaches, dizziness, experience weakness, fatigue and irritability. There is weight loss, hair loss, decreased vision and hearing. The function of the endocrine glands, the immune system is disturbed.

Complications

With the timely removal of the victim from the lesion, signs of mild intoxication disappear on their own, the functions of the main body systems are restored without consequences. Acute moderate and severe poisoning is often complicated by neurological disorders. The victim suffers from headaches for a long time. Perhaps the development of mononeuritis of various localization, paresis, parkinsonism. Complications from the circulatory system are manifested by intracardiac blockades, vascular thrombosis. Breathing air saturated with toxic carbon monoxide during pregnancy leads to fetal malformations. Severe poisoning often causes the death of the victim.

Diagnostics

Of great importance in the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning are anamnestic data and examination of the victim. A characteristic sign of serious intoxication is the bright scarlet color of the skin. Toxicologists and resuscitators do not distinguish pathognomonic physical symptoms of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. Physical examination reveals tachycardia, hyperthermia, frequent, in severe cases, intermittent breathing (Cheyne-Stokes), lowering blood pressure. Help to confirm the diagnosis:

• Laboratory tests. In the study of peripheral blood, erythrocytosis and a high level of hemoglobin are observed. The number of leukocytes is also increased, there is a stab shift in the leukocyte formula, while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is reduced. Determining the level of carboxyhemoglobin and its ratio with normal blood hemoglobin makes it possible to judge the severity of poisoning.
• X-ray examination of the chest. Signs of acute pulmonary emphysema and stagnation in the pulmonary circulation are revealed. Expansion of the roots of the lungs is observed. Fine- and large-focal shadows with blurred contours on both sides are determined. Radiological changes usually resolve completely within 7-10 days.

Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, it is urgent to evacuate the victim from the danger zone, provide him with fresh air, stimulate breathing, and warm him up. Oxygen therapy is prescribed, an antidote is introduced. If necessary, resuscitation measures are taken. The patient is subject to mandatory hospitalization. The hospital provides detoxification and symptomatic therapy. Intravenous infusions are prescribed, cardiotropic, anticonvulsant drugs, corticosteroids, diuretics, vitamins are administered. In hyperthermic syndrome, craniocerebral hypothermia is performed. Severe poisoning is an indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Forecast and prevention

The prognosis depends on the severity of the pathological process, the timeliness and quality of medical care. Light poisoning stops without consequences, moderate and severe often leads to complications from the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is not possible to predict the recovery of a patient in a coma. A poor prognostic sign is an aggravation of neurological symptoms during the first 48 hours against the background of intensive treatment.

For preventive purposes, fire safety rules must be observed. In order to avoid household and industrial poisoning, do not use faulty gas and stove equipment, electrical appliances. It is not recommended to be in the garage with the car engine running. Production areas must be well ventilated.