How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when caught in a fire

Carbon monoxide poisoning has claimed many victims. This poisoning can be caused by various things, one of which is from fire. Carbon monoxide gas contained in this smoke during a fire can cause death if too much is inhaled. It seems very creepy indeed. However, there are ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when you get caught in a fire. Check out the information below, yes.

Overview of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is poisoning caused by inhaling too much carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is colorless and odorless, but it is very dangerous if too much of it settles in the body.

Compared to oxygen, carbon monoxide gas is available in small amounts in your body. However, if the carbon monoxide content increases in the body, the body can cause poisoning because carbon monoxide easily binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells which then causes body tissues to become deprived of oxygen.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Be alert when you or those around you show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, namely:

• Nausea
• Dizzy
• Hard to breathe
• Chest pain
• Stomach ache
• Limp

When carbon monoxide levels have reached acute levels in the body, poisoning this substance can cause death.

Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning when caught in a fire

As explained earlier, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when your body inhales too much fire smoke.

When a fire breaks out, you must be so panicked that you tend to act rashly to seek help. Know what you should do first to protect yourself.

Cover your nose with a hand or a wet cloth as a way to filter the air and gases that enter the lungs. The possibility of carbon monoxide getting into your respiratory tract will still be there, it's just that by doing this filter it is hoped that the incoming levels are not too much.

Next, find an open space for fresh air. When you are caught in a fire, you may notice that there is too much carbon monoxide filling the area and making it difficult for you to breathe. Being in an open area that provides a source of oxygen can reduce congestion from inhaling too much carbon monoxide.

If already poisoned, what to do?

If after a fire a person is found in a fainting state, seizures, difficulty breathing or breathing problems, and is indicated to have other signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately get first aid by:

• Call the emergency telephone number in your area. Poisoning Information Center (Siker) can be contacted at 021-4250767 or 021-4227875.
• Immediately rush to the nearest health service for further treatment.
• Perform cardiac resuscitation as assistance if a person appears to be breathing and motionless.