Carbon Monoxide Poisoning & First Aid Treatment

Did you know carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death if inhaled in large quantities? Reported by New Straits Times, three out of four friends passed away due to inhalation of carbon monoxide which the police disclosed fumes entered the vehicle from leakage in the exhaust. You should not take this issue lightly as carbon monoxide can prove fatal to everyone.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide or also known CO is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless flammable gas that is slightly thicker than air. It cannot be seen, smelled, heard or even stopped from coming.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

In simple terms, carbon monoxide comes from devices that burn fuels such as cars, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, or tobacco smoke.

What are the symptoms? 

Stated by the Ministry of Health, the most common symptoms can possibly be:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Confusion
• Fitting
• Coma

What to do if you find a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Get the victim to fresh air area immediately

• Move somewhere far away from the affected area.
• If the victim is unconscious, check out for injuries before doing the move.

Call 999 or 112 for emergency help

• Inform the ambulance that victim is suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Perform CPR if necessary

• If the victim is unresponsive or not breathing, do CPR until the victim starts breathing.

Stay with the victim until help arrives

• Keep an eye on the victim’s condition.
• Monitor and record the victim’s breathing, pulse and response.

Learn more of other casualties that require first-aid techniques that potentially provide an instant solution to unwanted incidents. Remember to always be prepared for an emergency. Contact us today to get more information about our courses.