Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the human conditions that can result in death. As a rule, it occurs as a result of a faulty stove heating system, when a person is in a fire, or in a closed car with the engine running. Carbon monoxide is completely odorless, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur very unnoticed, and it is formed wherever a combustion process occurs. With a high content of carbon monoxide in the inhaled air, a person feels a headache and suffocation. With an increase in the concentration of carbon monoxide, paralysis and loss of consciousness occur (death occurs within 30 minutes).

The main reason for the formation of carbon monoxide is a lack of oxygen in the combustion zone.

The mechanism of the effect of carbon monoxide on a person is that, when it gets into the blood, it binds hemoglobin cells. As a result, hemoglobin loses the ability to carry oxygen. And the longer a person breathes carbon monoxide, the less working hemoglobin remains in his blood, and the less oxygen the body receives. The person begins to choke, gets a headache, and becomes confused.

And if you do not get out into the fresh air in time (or do not take an unconscious person out into the fresh air), then a fatal outcome is possible. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: muscle weakness, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus. Coma and death can occur from paralysis of the respiratory center. The heart can contract for some time after breathing has stopped. There have been cases of death from the effects of poisoning even 2-3 weeks after the poisoning event.

The most common sources are gas and oil stoves, wood stoves, gas appliances, water heaters and engines that emit exhaust gases. Cracks in stoves, a clogged chimney, blocked pipes can lead to carbon monoxide reaching living quarters. Insufficient access to fresh air to the stove can contribute to the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the house.

Accidents due to carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by: eliminating the source of carbon monoxide; taking the victim out into the fresh air; if the victim is conscious, he must be laid down, kept calm and provided with continuous access to fresh air (fan with a newspaper, turn on a fan or air conditioner); if the victim is unconscious, it is necessary to immediately begin closed heart massage and artificial respiration until an ambulance arrives or until the victim regains consciousness. Remember that when removing the victim from a room with a dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide, first of all, you need to protect yourself so as not to be poisoned too. To do this, you need to act quickly and breathe through a handkerchief or gauze.