Watch out, carbon monoxide!

It is necessary to know that carbon monoxide is formed by incomplete combustion of various types of fuel in the air. Poisoning often occurs when the chimney in the furnace is closed prematurely. Unburned coal reacts with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur during a long stay in a car with the engine running (due to the accumulation of exhaust gases); during improper operation of the heating furnace, during a long stay in the center of a fire. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary from headache, pounding in the temples, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, short-term fainting to paralysis, loss of consciousness, comatose state with impaired breathing and cerebral circulation. Severe cases are also fraught with cardiac arrest. The victim needs immediate hospitalization.

Help with carbon monoxide poisoning

In such a situation, it is extremely important to provide the victim with competent pre-medical care. To do this, take the person out into the fresh air, lay them down, lift their legs, free them from tight clothing and let them smell the ammonia. If the victim is conscious, he needs to ensure peace and continuous access of oxygen, for example, you can fan him with a newspaper or turn on the fan. If the victim is not breathing, it is necessary to give him artificial respiration, after clearing the airways. And, of course, call an ambulance. If this is not possible, then after the restoration of vital functions, try to take the victim to a medical institution.

Remember that during the removal of the victim from a place where there is a dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide, first of all you need to protect yourself so as not to get poisoned too. To do this, you need to act quickly and breathe through a handkerchief, gauze.

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

As a matter of fact, most people already know about it. However, poisoning does happen. So, we will repeat what may seem to someone banal and well-known rules:

- use only serviceable equipment. Cracks in the stove masonry, clogged chimney and similar "little things" can lead to serious consequences.

- operate stoves and fireplaces in accordance with the regulations. Regularly check the operation of the ventilation system and clean the chimney in a timely manner, and only trust the masonry of stoves and fireplaces to professionals.

- motorists, do not work in the garage with the engine running.

Dear citizens! Compliance with the above rules will allow you not to become a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning.

We urge residents to observe the necessary precautions when operating gas and other stoves and equipment, in order to avoid tragic consequences.

Department of Emergency Situations of the Ulan district