Treat Inhaled Poison

Important Information

If you inhale carbon monoxide or other harmful substances, you may experience headache, dizziness, nausea and chest tightness

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You may cough, wheeze and have difficulty breathing; The skin may become pale, then bluish with cherry-red appearance on nail beds and lips

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Treat any suspected ingested or inhaled poison, or any poisoning that alters the patient's breathing or conscious level, as a medical emergency; Follow primary care procedures

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Patient Care; Inhaled Poison

• STOP - Assess and observe the scene; Is there a poisonous substance or fumes nearby? Be very cautious of entering enclosed spaces; Note: Poisonous gases are odorless and colorless; Emergency Responder safety must be considered always; It may be necessary to wait for EMS to arrive with independent breathing equipment

• THINK - Consider your safety and form action plan; Can the substance harm me?

• ACT - Check responsiveness and Alert EMS

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• If necessary, move the patient to an area with fresh air; Perform a primary and secondary assessment and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care AB-CABS

• For a responsive patient, help to loosen clothing around the neck and chest for easier breathing; Conduct an illness assessment and gather information about what, when and how much poison was inhaled while waiting for EMS to arrive

• If available, read the label on the substance for poisoning instructions and call the Poison Control Center for further directions

• If available and permitted to do so, administer emergency oxygen and continue to support the patient until EMS arrives

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