Carbon Monoxide Inhalation

Section 3 - RESPIRATORY

3.02 CARBON MONOXIDE INHALATION

POSSIBLE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Cutaneous flush.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Coma
• Parasthesia
• Anesthesia

1. INITIAL MEDICAL CARE (2.01) - OXYGEN @ 100% via NRB mask or assist with BVM or CPAP device as indicated. (Be aware, Pulse Oximetry may indicate a false positive.)

2. Draw blood tubes, if available. Cover tubes with cold-pack.

3. Keep patient as calm as possible to minimize OXYGEN needs.

4. If wheezing present, ALBUTEROL (PROVENTIL) 2.5 mg via updraft. Monitor heart rate. After 2 doses of ALBUTEROL 2.5 mg via updraft, consider .5 mg IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE (ATROVENT) via updraft (only one time).

5. If the patient is exhibiting altered mental status, the Paramedic should immediately coordinate with the hospital in preparation for the hyperbaric chamber.

6. If the patient is in cardiac arrest, refer to appropriate Practice Parameters and transport to the closest appropriate receiving facility.

HYPERBARIC CHAMBERS:

Florida Hospital-South, Orlando

Shands Hospital, Gainesville.

Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne.