How to quickly recognize and handle carbon monoxide poisoning
(Baonghean.vn) - When the weather turns cold, many people have the habit of burning coal to keep warm and fight the harsh winter cold. However, according to medical experts, this is an extremely dangerous practice because it can cause coal gas poisoning, even leading to death.
Signs of CO poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a condition in which the brain is severely deprived of oxygen, causing damage to the gray matter cells that control human activities.
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The longer you stay in a closed room, the higher the risk of CO poisoning. The process of poisoning occurs very quickly. Just a few seconds after the patient feels something unusual, he or she is no longer able to resist and gradually faints. If not detected and treated promptly, the risk of death in people with carbon monoxide poisoning is very high.
The onset of carbon monoxide poisoning is diffuse and nonspecific symptoms:
- At a mild level,Patients usually only experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue... Some people experience red skin, but these are nonspecific symptoms.
- At a moderate level,People with carbon monoxide poisoning will experience chest pain, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, mild shortness of breath, rapid pulse, and rapid breathing.
- When severely poisoned,The symptoms will be more specific such as disorientation, convulsions, coma, arrhythmia, hypotension, skin burns, urinary and fecal incontinence.
In addition, the patient may also faint, have purple lips and fingertips, toes, stiff limbs or unusual movements.
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Treatment for CO poisoning
When detecting someone with carbon monoxide poisoning, it is necessary toquickly open windows and doorsAt the same time urgentlyRemove the victim from the contaminated area and quickly take them to the nearest medical facility.to be handled and treated promptly. Because when CO poisoning level is above 60%, the rate of coma and death is quite high.
In case the patient has weak breathing or stops breathing, immediate action must be taken.mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose artificial respiration
If the victim is no longer conscious, it is necessary toPlace the patient in a safe position, then perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while quickly transferring to the nearest medical facility.to be handled properly and promptly.
* Prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
To minimize the risk of CO suffocation, remember the following:
- Do not burn coal or firewood indoors with the doors closed.
- Do not use gas, oven or dryer for heating.
- Do not use gas burners in closed rooms or bedrooms.
- Do not start your motorbike or car in the house or garage.
- Do not leave generators or engines in the house.
