The bloodstream binds to carbon monoxide (CO) about 200 times stronger than it
binds to oxygen. That means a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning has less
oxygen getting to important organs like the heart and brain.
The only
treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is to replace the carbon monoxide in
the victim's blood with oxygen. At a minimum, the victim will have to breathe
high concentrations of oxygen for a long time to reverse the poisoning. In
worst case scenarios, victims must be treated in barometric chambers, which
provide 100% oxygen in high-pressure environments.
The best defense against carbon monoxide poisoning is to have a
carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide can leak from any of the following items:
- Gas stoves
- Gas water heaters
- Gas clothes dryers
- Fireplaces or firepits
- Wood stoves
- Gas or charcoal barbecues
- Gas or oil space heaters
- Smudge pots
- Gas or diesel generators
- Gas or diesel cars and trucks
- Motorboats
- Motorcycles
- Gas-powered lawn equipment
Signs and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are very similar to those of
other conditions affecting the central nervous system.
It's important to consider carbon monoxide poisoning whenever someone
around the sources listed above experiences any of the following signs or
symptoms:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Unstable gait (stumbling around)
- Nausea & vomiting
- Unconsciousness
Telltale Coloring of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Unlike other conditions that decrease oxygen in the blood, victims of
carbon monoxide poisoning are almost never pale or blue (cyanotic). Although
it doesn't happen every time, skin coloring in victims of severe carbon
monoxide poisoning will often be bright pink or flushed red.
Response to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, follow these steps:
- Remove the victim from the area immediately. Breathing fresh air
will stop the poisoning from getting worse.
- Call 911. Treating carbon monoxide poisoning requires professional
assistance and oxygen delivery equipment. If 911 is not available, take the
victim to emergency medical providers.
- Follow the steps in
Order of Priority in an Emergency until help arrives.
- Find the source of the carbon monoxide and fix it.