Actions for carbon monoxide poisoning. What to do about carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning- an acute pathological condition that develops as a result of the ingress of carbon monoxide into the human body, is dangerous to life and health, and without qualified medical assistance can lead to death.

Carbon monoxide enters the atmosphere during any type of combustion. In cities, mainly in the composition of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. Carbon monoxide actively binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, and blocks the transfer of oxygen to tissue cells, which leads to hemic type hypoxia. Carbon monoxide is also involved in oxidative reactions, disrupting the biochemical balance in tissues.

Poisoning is possible:

during fires;

in production where carbon monoxide is used to synthesize a number of organic matter(acetone, methyl alcohol, phenols, etc.);

in garages with poor ventilation, in other unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms, tunnels, as the car exhaust contains up to 1-3% CO according to the standards and over 10% with poor adjustment of the carburetor engine;

when you stay on a busy road or near it for a long time. On major highways, the average concentration of CO exceeds the poisoning threshold;

at home in case of leakage of lighting gas and in case of untimely closed stove dampers in rooms with furnace heating(houses, baths);

when using low-quality air in breathing apparatus.

General information

Carbon monoxide poisoning ranks fourth in the list of the most frequently observed poisonings (after alcohol, drug and drug poisoning). Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide (CO), is found wherever conditions exist for the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances. CO is a colorless gas that has no taste, its smell is very weak, almost imperceptible. Burns with a bluish flame. A mixture of 2 volumes of CO and 1 volume of O2 explodes on ignition. CO does not react with water, acids and alkalis. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so carbon monoxide poisoning most often goes unnoticed. The mechanism of action of carbon monoxide on a person is that when it enters the blood, it binds hemoglobin cells. Then hemoglobin loses its ability to carry oxygen. And the longer a person breathes carbon monoxide, the less efficient hemoglobin remains in his blood, and the less oxygen the body receives. A person begins to suffocate, a headache appears, consciousness is confused. And if you don't get out in time Fresh air(or not take out to fresh air already unconscious), then a fatal outcome is not ruled out. In the case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it takes a long time for the hemoglobin cells to be completely cleared of carbon monoxide. The higher the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air, the faster the life-threatening concentration of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood is created. For example, if the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is 0.02-0.03%, then for 5-6 hours of inhalation of such air, a concentration of carboxyhemoglobin of 25-30% will be created, if the concentration of CO in the air is 0.3-0.5% , then the lethal content of carboxyhemoglobin at the level of 65-75% will be reached after 20-30 minutes of a person's stay in such an environment. Carbon monoxide poisoning can appear abruptly or slowly, depending on the concentration. At very high concentrations, poisoning occurs quickly, characterized by rapid loss of consciousness, convulsions and respiratory arrest. In the blood taken from the region of the left ventricle of the heart or from the aorta, a high concentration of carboxyhemoglobin is found - up to 80%. With a low concentration of carbon monoxide, symptoms develop gradually: muscle weakness appears; dizziness; noise in ears; nausea; vomit; drowsiness; sometimes, on the contrary, short-term increased mobility; then a disorder of coordination of movements; rave; hallucinations; loss of consciousness; convulsions; coma and death from paralysis of the respiratory center. The heart may still beat for some time after breathing has stopped. There have been cases of people dying from the consequences of poisoning even 2-3 weeks after the poisoning event.

Acute effects of carbon monoxide poisoning relative to ambient concentration in parts per million (concentration, ppm): 35 ppm (0.0035%) - headache and dizziness during six to eight hours of continuous exposure 100 ppm (0.01%) - minor headache after two to three hours of exposure 200 ppm (0.02%) - minor headache after two to three hours of exposure, loss of criticality 400 ppm (0.04%) - frontal headache after one to two hours of exposure 800 ppm (0.08%) - dizziness, nausea and convulsions after 45 minutes of exposure; loss of senses after 2 hours 1600 ppm (0.16%) - headache, tachycardia, dizziness, nausea after 20 minutes of exposure; death in less than 2 hours 3200 ppm (0.32%) - headache, dizziness, nausea after 5-10 minutes of exposure; death after 30 minutes 6400 ppm (0.64%) - headache, dizziness after 1-2 minutes of exposure; convulsions, respiratory arrest and death in 20 minutes 12800 ppm (1.28%) - unconscious after 2-3 breaths, death in less than three minutes

Concentration 0.1 ppm - natural atmospheric level (MOPITT) 0.5 - 5 ppm - average level in houses 5 - 15 ppm - next to a properly adjusted gas stove in a house 100 - 200 ppm - from exhaust gases from cars in the central square of Mexico City 5000 ppm - in the smoke from a wood stove 7000 ppm - in the warm exhaust gases of cars without a catalyst

The diagnosis of poisoning is confirmed by measuring the level of carbon monoxide in the blood. This can be determined by measuring the amount of carboxyhemoglobin compared to the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The ratio of carboxyhemoglobin in the hemoglobin molecule can be up to 5% on average, in smokers who smoke two packs a day, levels up to 9% are possible. Intoxication appears when the ratio of carboxyhemoglobin to hemoglobin is above 25%, and the risk of mortality at a level of more than 70%.

The concentration of CO in the air, carboxyhemoglobin HbCO in the blood and symptoms of poisoning.
% about. (20°C)	mg/m 3	Time impact, h	in blood, %	The main signs and symptoms of acute poisoning
				Decrease in the speed of psychomotor reactions, sometimes - a compensatory increase in blood flow to vital organs. In persons with severe cardiovascular insufficiency - chest pain during exercise, shortness of breath
				Minor headache, decreased mental and physical performance, shortness of breath with moderate physical exertion. Visual disturbances. May be fatal to the fetus, those with severe heart failure

				Throbbing headache, dizziness, irritability, emotional instability, memory disorder, nausea, incoordination of small hand movements

				Severe headache, weakness, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, confusion

				Hallucinations, severe ataxia, tachypnea
				Fainting or coma, convulsions, tachycardia, weak pulse, Cheyne-Stokes breathing

				Coma, convulsions, respiratory and cardiac depression. Possible lethal outcome

				Deep coma with decreased or absent reflexes, thready pulse, arrhythmia, death.
				Loss of consciousness (after 2-3 breaths), vomiting, convulsions, death.

Symptoms:

For mild poisoning:

headache appears

knocking in the temples,

dizziness,

chest pain,

dry cough,

lacrimation,

possible visual and auditory hallucinations,
redness of the skin, carmine-red color of the mucous membranes,
tachycardia,
increase in blood pressure.

for moderate poisoning:

drowsiness,

possible motor paralysis with preserved consciousness

for severe poisoning:

loss of consciousness, coma

convulsions,

involuntary discharge of urine and feces,

respiratory failure that becomes continuous, sometimes of the Cheyne-Stokes type,

dilated pupils with a weakened reaction to light,

sharp cyanosis (blue) of the mucous membranes and skin of the face. Death usually occurs at the scene as a result of respiratory arrest and a drop in cardiac activity.

Help with carbon monoxide poisoning

The first symptoms of poisoning can develop after 2 - 6 hours of exposure to an atmosphere containing 0.22-0.23 mg CO2 per 1 liter of air; severe poisoning with loss of consciousness and death can develop in 20 - 30 minutes at a CO concentration of 3.4 - 5.7 mg / l and after 1-3 minutes at a poison concentration of 14 mg / l. The first symptoms of poisoning are headache, heaviness in the head, tinnitus, nausea, dizziness and palpitations. With further stay in a room whose air is saturated with carbon monoxide, the victim begins to vomit, general weakness increases, severe drowsiness and shortness of breath appear. The skin turns pale. If a person continues to inhale carbon monoxide, his breathing becomes shallow, convulsions occur. Death occurs from respiratory arrest due to paralysis of the respiratory center.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

First of all, it is necessary to take the victim to fresh air (in the warm season outside, in the cold season - in a ventilated room, on stairwell). The person is laid on his back and tight tight clothing is removed; The whole body of the victim is rubbed with vigorous movements; A cold compress is placed on the head and chest; If the victim is conscious, it is recommended to give him warm tea to drink; If a person is unconscious, you need to bring a cotton swab moistened with ammonia to his nose; In the absence of breathing, it is necessary to start artificial ventilation of the lungs and immediately call an ambulance. To prevent poisoning, it is recommended to take precautions at work, install a well-functioning ventilation system in garages, and close the damper in houses with a stove only after there are no blue lights left in the ashes.

Treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning

CO poisoning requires prompt removal of the poison from the body and specific therapy. The victim is taken out to fresh air, and upon arrival, medical workers are inhaled with humidified oxygen (in an ambulance using KI-Z-M, AN-8 devices). In the first hours, pure oxygen is used for inhalation, then they switch to inhalation of a mixture of air and 40-50% oxygen. In specialized hospitals, oxygen inhalation is used at a pressure of 1-2 atm in a pressure chamber (hyperbaric oxygenation). In case of respiratory disorders, before inhalation of oxygen, it is necessary to restore the patency of the respiratory tract (toilet of the oral cavity, the introduction of an air duct), to carry out artificial respiration up to tracheal intubation and artificial ventilation of the lungs. In case of hemodynamic disorders (hypotension, collapse), most often resulting from lesions of the central nervous system, in addition to intravenous (bolus) analeptics (2 ml of cordiamine, 2 ml of 5% ephedrine solution), rheopolyglucin (400 ml) should be administered intravenously in combination with prednisolone (60-90 mg) or hydrocortisone (125-250 mg). In case of CO poisoning, much attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of cerebral edema, since the severity of the patient's condition, especially with prolonged impairment of consciousness, is determined by cerebral edema that has developed as a result of hypoxia. At the prehospital stage, patients are injected intravenously with 20-30 ml of a 40% glucose solution with 5 ml of a 5% solution ascorbic acid , 10 ml of a 2.4% solution of aminophylline, 40 mg of lasix (furosemide), intramuscularly - 10 ml of a 25% solution of magnesium sulfate. It is very important to eliminate acidosis, for which, in addition to measures to restore and maintain adequate breathing, it is necessary to inject 4% sodium bicarbonate solution intravenously (at least 600 ml). In a hospital with severe symptoms of cerebral edema (stiff neck, convulsions, hyperthermia), a neuropathologist performs repeated lumbar punctures, craniocerebral hypothermia is necessary, in the absence of a special apparatus - ice on the head. In order to improve metabolic processes in the central nervous system, patients, especially those with severe poisoning, are prescribed vitamins, especially ascorbic acid (5-10 ml of a 5% solution intravenously 2-3 times a day), vitamins B 1, (3-5 ml 6% solution intravenously), B6 (3-5 ml of 5% solution 2-3 times a day intravenously). For the prevention and treatment of pneumonia, antibiotics, sulfonamides should be administered. Severe patients with CO poisoning need careful care; toilet of the skin of the body, especially the back and sacrum, a change in body position (turns to the side), severe percussion of the chest (striking with the side surface of the palm), vibration massage, ultraviolet irradiation of the chest with erythemal doses (by segments) are necessary. In some cases, CO poisoning can be combined with other serious conditions that significantly complicate the course of intoxication and often have a decisive influence on the outcome of the disease. Most often, this is a burn of the respiratory tract that occurs when inhaling hot air, smoke during a fire. As a rule, in these cases, the severity of the condition of patients is due not so much to carbon monoxide poisoning (which can be mild or moderate), but to a burn of the respiratory tract. The latter is dangerous because in the acute period acute respiratory failure may develop due to prolonged, intractable laryngobronchospasm, and severe pneumonia develops in the next day. The patient is concerned about dry cough, sore throat, suffocation. Objectively noted shortness of breath (as in an attack of bronchial asthma), dry rales in the lungs, cyanosis of the lips, face, anxiety. In the event of toxic pulmonary edema, pneumonia, the condition of patients worsens even more, shortness of breath increases, breathing is frequent, up to 40-50 per minute, there is an abundance of dry and moist rales of various sizes in the lungs. Mortality in this group of patients is high. Treatment is mainly symptomatic: intravenous administration of bronchodilators (10 ml of a 2.4% solution of aminophylline with 10 ml of physiological saline, 1 ml of a 5% solution of ephedrine, 60-90 mg of prednisolone 3-4 times or 250 mg of hydrocortisone 1 time per day, according to 1 ml of 5% solution of ascorbic acid 3 times a day). Of great importance is local therapy in the form of oil inhalations (olive, apricot oil), inhalations of antibiotics (penicillin 500 thousand units in 10 ml of saline), vitamins (1 - 2 ml of 5% ascorbic acid solution with 10 ml of saline); with severe laryngobronchospasm - 10 ml of a 2.4% solution of aminophylline, 1 ml of a 5% solution of ephedrine, 125 mg of hydrocortisone in 10 ml of saline. With a strong cough, use codeine with soda (1 tablet 3 times a day). The second severe complication of CO intoxication is position injury (compression syndrome), which develops in cases where the victim lies unconscious (or sits) in one position for a long time, touching parts of the body (most often limbs) with a hard surface (corner of the bed, floor) or crushing the limb with the weight of his own body. In areas subjected to compression, unfavorable conditions for blood and lymph circulation are created. At the same time, the nutrition of muscle and nervous tissue, skin is sharply disrupted, which leads to their death. The victim develops foci of reddening of the skin, sometimes with the formation of blisters filled with liquid (like burns), soft tissue compaction, which further intensifies due to developing edema. The affected areas become sharply painful, enlarged, dense (up to stone density). As a result of the breakdown of muscle tissue, myoglobin (a protein that is part of muscle tissue) enters the bloodstream, if the injury zone is extensive, a large amount of myoglobin affects the kidneys: myoglobinuric nephrosis develops. Thus, the patient develops the so-called myorenal syndrome, characterized by a combination of trauma by position with renal failure. Treatment of patients with myorenal syndrome is long and is carried out in specialized hospitals, as it requires the use of various special methods (hemodialysis, lymphatic drainage, etc.). In the presence of severe pain, painkillers can be administered - 1 ml of a 2% solution of promedol and 2 ml of a 50% solution of analgin subcutaneously or intravenously.

Carbon monoxide analysis

To diagnose acute carbon monoxide poisoning, the content of either carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) in the blood or carbon monoxide CO in exhaled air should be immediately determined.

Qualitative Definition

For analysis, whole blood treated with heparin or other stabilizer that prevents it from clotting is used. Approximately three times the volume of 1% tannin solution is added to diluted samples (1: 4) of the studied and normal blood. Normal blood acquires a gray color, and blood containing carboxyhemoglobin does not change. A similar test is carried out with the addition of formalin. In this case, normal blood takes on a dirty brown color, and the test blood containing carboxyhemoglobin retains its color for several weeks. In the absence of these reagents in the laboratory, a 30% sodium hydroxide solution can be used, which is added to blood samples diluted 1: 100 with water. Blood that does not contain carboxyhemoglobin acquires a green-black color. In the presence of carboxyhemoglobin, pink color blood. Carboxyhemoglobin can be detected in the blood using the microdiffusion method based on the reaction with palladium chloride and spectrophotometrically.

quantitation

The quantitative determination of carboxyhemoglobin (Hb CO) in the blood is based on the fact that both oxyhemoglobin (Hb O 2) and methemoglobin can be reduced by sodium dithionite, and Hb CO does not interact with this reagent. For the determination, an aqueous solution of ammonia (1 ml/l) is required; solid sodium dithionite Na 2 S 2 O 4 2H 2 O (stored in a desiccator); cylinder with pure gaseous CO or a mixture of CO and nitrogen; cylinder with gaseous oxygen or compressed air. It is possible to obtain CO by the interaction of concentrated sulfuric and formic acids. For determination, 0.2 ml of blood is added to 25 ml of ammonia solution and mixed thoroughly. The sample is divided into 3 approximately equal portions A, B and C. Portion A is stored in a stoppered tube. A portion of blood B is saturated with carbon monoxide until oxygen is completely replaced by CO (i.e., to obtain 100% Hb CO), blowing gas through the solution for 5–10 minutes. Portion C is saturated with oxygen by blowing pure oxygen or compressed air through the solution for 10 minutes to completely replace CO with oxygen (0% HbCO). To each solution (A, B, C) add a small amount (about 20 mg) of Na 2 S 2 O 4 2H 2 O and 10 ml of ammonia solution and mix. Remove the spectrum in the visible region or measure the absorption at 540 and 579 nm. As a reference solution, a solution of sodium dithionite in an aqueous solution of ammonia is used. The percentage of saturation with carboxyhemoglobin can be calculated using the following formula: HbCO (%) \u003d ( (A 540 / A 579 solution A) - (A 540 / A 579 solution C) * 100%) / ( (A 540 / A 579 solution B) - (A 540 / A 579 solution C)), taking into account that (A 540 / A 579 solution B) = 1.5, which corresponds to 100% HbCO, (A 540 / A 579 solution C) = 1.1, which corresponds to 0% HCO. The measurements are carried out in the region of maximum difference between the absorption of Hb CO [λ max (Hb*CO) =540 nm] and the point of equal absorption of Hb CO and Hb O 2 (579 nm, isosbestic point). The presence on the spectrum of solution A of two almost symmetrical peaks ("rabbit ears") is a characteristic sign of carbon monoxide poisoning. Conclusion

More than 140 substances can be found in polymer combustion products, that is, people are poisoned by the combined effect of many volatile poisons. The multifactorial influence during fires complicates the forensic chemical examination of the blood of the dead. In most cases, the blood test is limited to the detection of carbon monoxide. In the vast majority of cases, poisoning occurs through the fault of the victims themselves: misuse heating stoves, geysers, smoking in bed (especially when drunk), leading to a fire; keeping matches in places accessible to children; a long stay in a closed garage where the car is with a running engine, a long rest (sleep) in a car with the heater and engine turned on, even if the car is outdoors. It is especially important to conduct conversations and lectures with the population on the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning in the autumn-winter season. In conclusion, it should be said that, despite significant advances in the study of the problems of the mechanism of action of poisons, the biochemical mechanism of action of all poisonous substances is far from fully disclosed. Many complex issues of the interaction of various chemical agents with various enzymes have not yet been resolved.

Greetings to you, regular and new readers of the blog!

Once the French moral philosopher Jean de La Bruyère said: "Life is what we value most and cherish least." And he is right, since many of us, alas, neglect the elementary safety rules, which is unacceptable. In addition, 70% of people, according to statistics, do not know how to provide first aid in a given situation.

One gets the impression that every person, somewhere in a secret pocket, has a miracle bottle with the elixir of immortality. Do you have a magic potion, a sip of which will give new life? He is not here? Then you should follow the safety rules and learn how to help the victim and yourself in order to avoid a tragic outcome.

For example, a fairly common occurrence is carbon monoxide poisoning. Can you help yourself or any other person with symptoms that eloquently speak of the ingestion of carbon monoxide (CO) - a poison that has no taste, smell, color, dangerous to health and life? Not? Q.E.D. So, today we will consider the signs of intoxication, we will learn how to provide the first medical care in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, and also discuss folk remedies that help to recover.

From this article you will learn:

CO intoxication: obvious symptoms, irreversible consequences, risk groups and main causes

Symptoms

To properly help with carbon monoxide poisoning, you need to know the characteristic symptoms.

Obvious signs of mild carbon monoxide poisoning (chad):

migraine;
tapping in the temporal zone of the head;
choking cough;
severe dizziness;
bouts of vomiting;
nausea;
tearfulness;
severe pain in the chest area;
hallucinations, both visual and auditory;
purple color of the skin of the head;
hypertension;
tachycardia.

The following symptoms indicate an average degree of intoxication:

weakness;
drowsiness;
noise in ears;
muscle paralysis.

The following signs indicate acute poisoning:

fainting;
uncontrolled urination and defecation;
respiratory failure;
convulsions;
cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes;
dilated pupils with poor response to light sources;
coma.

Untimely assistance leads to death.

Irreversible consequences

Carbon monoxide intoxication, alas, leaves behind a significant trace. In case of mild to moderate CO poisoning, a person can be pestered by:

acute continuous headache;
frequent dizziness;
nervous disorders;
memory loss;
stop in development.

At acute poisoning often seen:

circulatory disorders in the brain;
polyneuritis;
heart attack;
cerebral edema;
deterioration of hearing and vision (possible complete loss);
subarachnoid hemorrhage;
severe pneumonia (with long-term coma).

Complications are unpredictable and often, alas, lead to death.

At-risk groups

People are especially sensitive to carbon monoxide:

excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
addicted to tobacco products;
asthma sufferers;
exhausted by nervous or physical stress.

In addition, children are also at risk. Be carefull.

The reasons

Poisoning often occurs due to:

faulty heated appliances used in baths, houses, garages and apartments;
violations of safety regulations for the use of a particular heating device;
long stay in rooms that are not ventilated;
presence in the center of smoldering of combustion products;
lack of good extraction.

In addition to these reasons, there are others, but these are the most common.

Algorithm for providing first aid at home

So, what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning? To save a life you should:

call immediately ambulance;
keep calm and act consistently, quickly and clearly (although for many this is difficult);
put on a gas mask or make a mask from improvised means;
evacuate a person to the street;
remove clothing that restricts breathing;
in case of mild poisoning, give the affected person strong tea to drink, cover warm blanket, provide a calm environment;
with moderate severity, put a person on a flat surface and turn over to one side. Soak a cotton swab in ammonia and let it smell at a distance of 2 cm;
in case of acute poisoning, massage the heart and perform artificial respiration.

Nothing more needs to be done at home until the doctors arrive. Further treatment of the patient depends on his condition.

Treatment at home with folk remedies

Attention! Treatment at home with the help of means traditional medicine allowed only after the provision of qualified assistance in the hospital and the approval of the doctor! Remember! Self-treatment without prior consultation can play a cruel joke!

Of course, natural products are known for absolute safety and environmental friendliness, but each ingredient intended for the preparation of a particular product is endowed with certain properties, in view of which it can affect the human body in different ways!

If you decide to use traditional medicine: go to the doctor and show the prescription. Got approved? Feel free to mix. Ban? Forget about traditional medicine!

I will talk about some time-tested tools.

Miraculous cranberry-lingonberry cocktail

To prepare a healing agent, we arm ourselves:

juicy cranberries - 100 gr.;
fragrant cranberries - 200 gr.;
water - 300 gr.

We take the berries, wash them well, remove the tails. Pour water into the kettle, put it on the stove, wait for it to boil. In the meantime, we turn the berries into puree using a sieve, meat grinder or blender. We put the gruel in a container, fill it with water and mix thoroughly. We cover the saucepan with a lid, wrap it with a towel and insist the remedy for 2 hours. Then we filter it with gauze or a strainer.

The drug is taken 6-7 times a day, 50 ml. Useful and fragrant cocktail has cleansing, diuretic, diaphoretic, protective, nourishing and anti-toxic properties.

Healing tincture of knotweed

To prepare a useful knotweed tincture, we stock up:

dried chopped knotweed - 2 tbsp. l.;
water - 2 tbsp.

Pour water into the kettle, put it on the stove and wait for it to boil. We put grass in a bowl - knotweed. Then pour it with boiling water, mix, cover the container with a lid, wrap it with towels, wait 3 hours. Using a sieve or gauze, we filter the potion.

We take the remedy 2 times a day for ½ cup. Knotweed drink is known for its strengthening, regenerating, nourishing, protective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cleansing properties.

Beneficial extract of Rhodiola rosea

To prepare a tincture of pink rhodiola, we need:

Rhodiola rosea root - 100 gr.;
high-quality vodka - 400 ml.

Grind the root of Rhodiola, put it in a jar and fill it with vodka. We mix the ingredients well, cork the container with a lid and put it in a dark place for 7 days. After a week, we filter the tincture through a sieve or gauze.

We take the substance 15 drops three times a day (I agree, it’s not enough somehow). The remedy is known for its analgesic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, regenerating, cleansing effect.

Dandelion life-giving decoction

To prepare a healthy decoction, we stock up:

dried crushed medicinal dandelion - 6 gr.;
water - 200 gr.

Pour chopped dandelion into a container, fill it with cool water, mix the ingredients thoroughly. We cover the container with a lid and put it on the stove. Boil the potion for 15 minutes. Remove the container from the stove, wrap it with towels and leave for 30 minutes. Then we filter the product with a sieve or gauze.

We take a decoction of 1 tbsp. l. three times a day. The substance demonstrates excellent antitoxic, cleansing, diuretic, antimicrobial and regenerating properties.

Means prepared according to simple recipes will help restore health in a short time.

Carbon monoxide poisoning - dangerous phenomenon, therefore, at the slightest symptom, do not hesitate, provide first aid and call an ambulance. Dear readers, do not play with fire, follow the safety rules, because life is a gift that can only be received once. Be healthy!

Wisdom Quote: If you want to understand life, then stop believing what they say and write, but observe and feel (A. Chekhov) .

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.

"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. Chemical formula 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 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. After all, now instead of stoves in dwellings modern people are actively working gas boilers and stoves, cars puff toxic fumes in the streets and garages, and periodic reports of tragic accidents related to CO poisoning 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 CO 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:

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 with the following cases and circumstances:

In rooms with stove or fireplace heating ( residential buildings, baths, etc.) in case of untimely closing of the exhaust dampers or in case of poor exhaust.
In rooms where gas appliances operate (water heaters, stoves, gas boilers, heat generators with open cam combustion); 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.).
If you stay for a long time next to a busy highway or directly on it (on most major highways, CO levels in the air can exceed allowable norms 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:

Quickly open all windows and doors and take the person out of the room.
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 medical personnel are sent to the victim with necessary equipment.
If a person has lost consciousness during 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 you bring ammonia too close, then a powerful effect of ammonia can lead to paralysis of the respiratory center.
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.
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 (per 1 liter warm water- 1 tbsp. soda spoon).

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 setting, 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.

Providing assistance 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:

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. Then strain and dilute with warm water (100 ml). Take the remedy 3 or 4 times a day for a tablespoon.
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.
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.
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 starting 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.

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. characteristic feature 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.

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 the 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. Industrial premises must be well ventilated.

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide, CO) is a poisonous substance of general toxic and very fast action. It is formed during combustion with an insufficient supply of oxygen: the ignition of certain substances in confined spaces, the seat of a fire, with incomplete combustion of gases, a heating stove with a broken chimney draft, etc.

Properties that indicate the danger of carbon monoxide are:

The absence of color and smell, and therefore it is impossible to determine its presence in the surrounding space.
The ability to seep through the wall, soil, various partitions.
Failure to be absorbed porous material, which is why even a gas mask cannot provide adequate protection against CO.

Inhalation of carbon monoxide contributes to the formation in the blood of a stable compound of carbon monoxide with hemoglobin - carboxyhemoglobin, which is not able to carry oxygen, which leads to oxygen starvation associated with impaired blood oxygen transport function. Carbon monoxide enters the body only through the respiratory tract.

The specifics of the effect of carbon monoxide on humans

Poisoning caused by carbon monoxide is considered a form of intoxication that occurs due to the ingress of CO into the body and causes an acute painful condition, leading to the death of the victim without specialized medical assistance.

The specificity of the influence of carbon monoxide on a person lies in the fact that very often it is not possible to recognize it at all, since the substance is practically not noticeable. Therefore, in order to protect yourself, the task of everyone is to clearly understand in what particular situations that often arise in Everyday life, such a threat may arise.

Firstly, this often happens if a person long time stays in a highway area with heavy traffic, in a car park. exhaust Vehicle contain carbon monoxide in a volume of 1 to 3%, and in order to get poisoned, it is enough that the amount of this substance in the air is 0.1%. A similar risk is also faced by car owners who work with the car for a long time in a closed garage, especially when its engine warms up for a long time.
Secondly, the threat of poisoning is also increased for those people who stay in cramped rooms for a long time, where ventilation does not work well and heating and geysers. Oxygen in the room becomes much less, and carbon monoxide, continuously released during the combustion of fuel, many times more.
Thirdly, there may be cases of poisoning due to violations of the operating procedure for stove installations by the owners of bathhouses, country cottages and houses. A prematurely closed stove damper can cause an increase in the CO content in the room and subsequent poisoning.
Fourth On the other hand, those who work in production facilities with increased level danger or got into the epicenter of the fire.

What are the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Speaking about the symptoms most characteristic of carbon monoxide poisoning, the following should be noted: carbon monoxide poisoning is primarily manifested by hypoxia of brain cells.

The victim quickly loses consciousness, dilated pupils, seizures, increased muscle tone are noted.

Shortness of breath, noted in initial period poisoning, is replaced by a decrease in the number of respiratory movements.

To the question of what signs appear on the mucous membranes during carbon monoxide poisoning, doctors give the following answer: the victims are characterized by a change in the mucous membranes: while the victim is in a room with high content carbon monoxide mucous membranes are pink or carmine-red in color, but quickly become cyanotic and pale when the patient is moved to fresh air.

Mild, moderate and severe degrees of carbon monoxide poisoning of people: the first symptoms

There are 3 degrees of poisoning caused by carbon monoxide:

Easy.
Average.
Heavy.

With a mild degree of poisoning, carboxyhemoglobin in the blood reaches an indicator of 10 to 30%. As the first signs of mild carbon monoxide poisoning, a headache is noted, which is localized in the area of \u200b\u200bthe temples or forehead. Often it becomes encircling character. This phenomenon is called the hoop syndrome. There is a knock in the temples, dizziness, nausea, vomiting. There is a slight decrease in visual acuity. Many victims experience shortness of breath, dry cough, sore throat, discomfort that occurs in the region of the heart. Light poisoning is not accompanied by loss of consciousness.

In case of moderate poisoning, the volume of carboxyhemoglobin is from 30 to 40% in the blood of the victim. The first symptoms of such carbon monoxide poisoning of a person are torment from constant nausea, shortness of breath, lack of air and shortness of breath. Signs indicating a violation of mental activity are a short-term loss of consciousness (from 1 to 20 minutes), followed by excitement with visual or auditory hallucinations. Sometimes, instead of excitement, there may be lethargy. Arterial pressure is increased, pulse is frequent. In case of poisoning in the fire, a cough worries. Miosis and anisocoria, hyperemia of the skin on the face may appear.

In severe carbon monoxide poisoning, the level of carboxyhemoglobin in human blood catastrophically goes off scale, amounting to over 50%. A severe degree of poisoning is characterized by a prolonged coma, which differs in different depth and duration (from 1 to 24 hours in a row or more).

Often the victim develops cerebral edema, convulsions and paresis. The skin at the site of the accident has a scarlet color, and after hospitalization becomes cyanotic. Develops rhinolaryngitis, tracheobronchitis, severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of severe carbon monoxide poisoning in humans also come from of cardio-vascular system: there is toxic damage to the heart muscle, left ventricular failure, a drop in blood pressure, metabolic acidosis in the blood, tonic convulsions and rapid death.

Complications after carbon monoxide poisoning

The condition associated with CO poisoning can cause complications that will make themselves felt some time after therapy, and even throughout later life. They are usually divided into two categories:

Early.
Late.

The first group of complications begins to appear already 2 days after the accident.

If we talk about the consequences for the central nervous system, then they are most often expressed by headaches different nature and duration, impaired motor activity, loss of sensation in the upper and lower extremities, swelling of the brain, relapses of mental illness, if a person has already had to deal with any of them before.

Suddenly, edema may occur in the tissues of the lungs, which has a toxic etiology, edema in the brain, malfunctions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, bladder and kidneys, and a decrease in hearing and visual acuity.

The cardiovascular system can suffer from complications associated with a violation of the heart rhythm, coronary circulation. An extreme case is a fatal outcome from a cardiac arrest that was not previously foreseen by doctors.

Late complications include those consequences that may begin to appear more than 2 days after poisoning. Sometimes this period is about 40 days.

Severe consequences for the central nervous system are associated with memory loss, psychosis, a decrease in the intellectual level of a person, apathy, paralysis, blindness, impaired coordination of movements, parkinsonism.

Complications in the respiratory system can be manifested by frequent and rapidly developing pneumonia.

For the cardiovascular system, late complications have the form of angina pectoris, cardiac asthma, myocarditis, and heart attack.

To reduce the risk of complications in the future, you should know how to properly provide emergency assistance to the victim.

What to do if there are signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: first aid

When asked what the first thing to do when a person is poisoned with carbon monoxide, the answer is unequivocal: call an ambulance. In no case should you react to the victim's belief that he feels absolutely normal. Medical attention is needed because:

Only a specialist can accurately assess the patient's condition.
Symptoms may not always be clear enough to determine the degree of poisoning.
Without the participation of doctors, the risk of death or disability of the victim increases significantly.

And before the arrival of the ambulance brigade, emergency care for a person with carbon monoxide poisoning consists in performing sequential actions.

Firstly, care must be taken to ensure that the effect of CO on the victim ceases. To this end, it is necessary to immediately take the victim to fresh air, not forgetting about self-defense (open doors and windows, leave the room, take a few deep breaths and hold your breath while inhaling, trying not to inhale the polluted air, take out the victim). Also, if in this situation there is such a possibility, the source from which the toxic substance is distributed should be blocked. If, during first aid to a person with carbon monoxide poisoning, there is quick access to a special gas mask equipped with a hopcalite cartridge or an oxygen mask, you should definitely use one of them.
Secondly, it is necessary to eliminate barriers to the passage of oxygen through the respiratory tract. To do this, it is necessary to help the victim take a horizontal position on his side, unfasten or even remove those items of clothing that prevent him from breathing freely.
Thirdly When providing first aid to a person who has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, it is necessary to bring him to consciousness if he is in a state of fainting. To this end, you should give him a sniff of ammonia. But you need to bring the remedy to the nose of the victim at a distance that is at least 1 cm from the organ. Next, rub the skin chest, if there are mustard plasters in the first-aid kit, then you can use them by putting them on your back and chest, but far from the heart area.

Can carbon monoxide poisoning be treated at home?

After, as a result of the first first aid provided for carbon monoxide poisoning, it was possible to bring the victim to consciousness, he should be given hot coffee or tea to drink.

Fourth, in severe forms of poisoning, artificial respiration and chest compressions are used. It is important to stick to this cycle: 2 breaths and 30 consecutive chest compressions.

If the obvious signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are eliminated with first aid, then care should be taken that he does not waste the rest of his energy and remains in absolute peace. Better help him lie on his side, wrap up outerwear or a blanket, if there is one in the access area, but make sure that the body does not overheat.

Remember: for any severity of carbon monoxide poisoning, treatment at home is unacceptable; on the contrary, emergency hospitalization in the intensive care unit is mandatory.

Providing first aid for burns and carbon monoxide poisoning

Very often, a person with carbon monoxide poisoning burns. First aid will depend on what kind they are:

Chemical.
Thermal.

The first arise under the influence of irritating gases and vapors contained in the composition of combustion products. These components act primarily on the organs respiratory system, affect the mucous membranes. If there are signs of not only carbon monoxide poisoning, but also a burn, for first aid you need to give the victim a sedative medicine to relieve pain, wash with water at room temperature, help him rinse his mouth and throat at the same temperature with water, treat his mouth with a 1% solution of Novocain ". An ambulance team, providing first aid to a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning and chemical burns, must ensure that he is able to breathe 100% humidified oxygen through a mask.

Thermal burns can also occur on the skin of a carbon monoxide poisoned person if he was at the epicenter of a fire. First aid for thermal burns and carbon monoxide poisoning depends on the extent of the affected area on the body. If the burn is limited, you need to water this area of \u200b\u200bthe skin cold water at least 10 minutes, or attach a sterile bag containing ice to it, give a painkiller to drink.

First aid at home for burns and carbon monoxide poisoning (with video)

If the lesion is extensive, then first aid for burns and carbon monoxide poisoning also requires the application of a loose sterile bandage in order to avoid infection with any infection. It is also necessary to drink the victim with an alkaline saline solution: 1 tsp. soda + ½ tsp. salt + 2 tbsp. water.

When providing assistance at home to a victim in case of carbon monoxide poisoning in combination with a thermal burn, it is strictly forbidden to independently remove dirt and clothing residues from the affected area, treat this area of skin with iodine, oil, alcohol, and apply a tight bandage.

To know how to properly provide first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning, watch the proposed video: