إسعافات التسمم بالغاز(Gas Poisoning First Aid)

This page will help you prepare and respond appropriately to cases of gas poisoning

When does gas poisoning occur?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that can kill silently, claiming hundreds of lives each year andCOcausing illness in thousands of others. Many household appliances, including cooking ovens and charcoal grills, produce this toxic gas.

Most cases of poisoning occur through inhalation of gases or toxic vapors. Gas inhalation poisoning is particularly dangerous because the toxin quickly enters the bloodstream, causing rapid onset of symptoms.

The most common sources of carbon monoxide leaks are ovens, heaters, and barbecue grills. Gas poisoning can also occur when inhaling exhaust fumes from vehicles, working in factories that burn gas or coal, or working in smoke-filled environments.

• What are the symptoms of gas poisoning?
• Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, you cannot detect its presence. Symptoms are often described as “flu-like.”
• The most common symptoms include:
• •Headache
• •Dizziness
• •Weakness
• •Stomach upset

•Vomiting

• •Chest and muscle pain
• •Shortness of breath
• Inhaling high concentrations of gas can cause more severe symptoms, such as:
• •Vertigo and the sensation that the surroundings are spinning
• •Nausea and vomiting
• •Ataxia (loss of body coordination) due to brain and nervous system damage
• •Shortness of breath and tachycardia (heart rate above 100 bpm)

•Chest pain caused by angina or myocardial infarction

•Muscle spasms

1. •Loss of consciousness — in very high concentrations of carbon monoxide, death may occur within minutes
2. How to respond to gas poisoning?
3. Rapid intervention is critical. Always call emergency services first, then follow these steps:
4. 1.Avoid lighting matches or using lighters, as some gases are flammable. Protect yourself before rescuing the affected person by covering your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.

2.Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and disperse toxic gases.

1. 3.Move the affected person immediately from the contaminated area to a place with fresh air. Loosen any tight clothing, such as a necktie.
2. 4.After removing the patient from danger, check their pulse and airway to ensure proper breathing, and be ready to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed.
3. If breathing stops:
4. •Tilt the patient’s head back to open the airway and pinch the nose.

•Take a deep breath, seal your mouth over the patient’s mouth, and blow air into their lungs while observing chest rise.

•Lift your mouth to allow exhalation and observe chest fall.

•Repeat until the patient resumes normal breathing.

• If the patient vomits, place them on their side to prevent choking.
• Do not give anything by mouth if the patient is unconscious.
• Keep the patient calm and warm if they show signs of chills. Immediate hospital transfer is essential if the patient stops breathing or loses consciousness.
• Emergency Numbers in GCC Countries:
• •Saudi Arabia: 997
• •UAE: 998