Smoke Inhalation Dangers
For "This is Us" fans, many have asked the question: "How did Jack Pearson die?" Now we know the answer, and it's the cause of death of the majority of structure fire victims—smoke inhalation.
Also called an inhalation injury, the inhalation of smoke includes superheated gasses, steam, and noxious chemicals.
There are two chemicals that are most dangerous when it comes to inhalation during a structure fire:
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Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide causes the bonding with red blood cells and starves the body of oxygen. Symptoms include lightheadedness, confusion, headaches, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases coma, seizures, and death are possible.
If CO poisoning is suspected it's important to get oxygen immediately.
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Hydrogen cyanide
Hydrogen Cyanide is harder to detect than CO poisoning. CO can be measured with the level of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in a person, but cynaide levels need to be measured with blood test that may not be immediately available.
There are ways to determine if a patient likely has cyanide poisoning, though. They may be at risk if they have soot in their nostrils or mouth, seem confused or unresponsive, or have shortness of breath.
When left untreated, cyanide poisoning can lead to metabolic problems, lactic acidosis, or cardiac arrest.
If cyanide poisoning is suspected, oxygen is needed as soon as possible. A cyanide antidote, usually administered by first responders prior to hospital admission, may also be considered.
Chemical inhalation is just one component of inhalation injuries. Thermal burns to the mouth and airways, and chemical burns can also occur. All can cause serious injury and possible death.
If you are in a fire, it's important to reduce your inhalation exposure by staying low to the ground and getting out as fast as you can. Don't forget to always replace your batteries in your smoke detectors every year.
