Despite the fact that the society is aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide, cases of poisoning happen quite often. Carbon monoxide is formed in almost all types of combustion. The main sources of danger are: furnace room heating, badly ventilated cars, garages with poor ventilation, home fires, kerosene burners, production using carbon monoxide, etc.
When carbon monoxide enters the body, blood cells are first affected, in which it combines with hemoglobin, forming the substance carboxyhemoglobin. As a result, the blood cells lose the ability to carry oxygen and deliver it to the organs. Poisoning occurs even with a small amount of this gas in the inspired air, but its presence can be recognized only by the indications of a special device or the emerging signs of exposure to the body.
The first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
The first alarm is the occurrence of an increasing headache , localized in the forehead and temples, which becomes pulsating as the poisonous substance continues to act. Also at the initial stages of carbon monoxide poisoning from the gas column and other sources, there are such symptoms:
- dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- nausea, the urge to vomit;
- "Flies" before the eyes;
- noise in ears;
- blurred vision;
- violation of coordination of movements;
- dyspnea;
- palpitation, etc.
In severe cases it is observed:
- convulsions;
- intermittent breathing;
- blushing of the skin and mucous membranes;
- involuntary urination, defecation;
- loss of consciousness.
First aid and treatment for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Exposure to carbon monoxide in a few minutes can lead to death or disability, so treatment should be carried out immediately after the detection of characteristic symptoms. The algorithm of actions for assistance to victims on the spot is as follows:
- Call for an ambulance.
- Move victim to fresh air.
- Remove the shy clothes, put the injured on the side.
- When unconscious, give smell of ammonia.
- In the absence of breathing and cardiac activity - perform an indirect cardiac massage and artificial respiration.
Emergency actions of physicians in this case are the supply of oxygen (more often through an oxygen mask) and intramuscular injection of an antidote (Acisol), which reduces the toxic effect of the poison agent on the cells. Further treatment after carbon monoxide poisoning is carried out in a hospital and depends on the severity of the lesion.