How To Treat a Toxic Gas Exposure
In case your parents didn't tell you, mixing bleach and ammonia may kill you. The nitty gritty details of the chemical reaction aren't important, but the end result is a release of toxic gases capable of doing anything from a sore throat to unconsciousness and death.
Following tips can help in the case of a Toxic fumes Exposure.
Difficulty: Difficult
Time Required: Until the EMS or ambulance arrives at site.
Here's How:
- Stay Safe. Regardless of anything else that happens, if you smell any strong odors then you need to move out of the area to fresh air. It only takes a few moments for many toxic fumes to overwhelm you. Obviously, if you become unconscious, you will not be able to summon help for yourself or anyone else.
- Call 112 and Get help on the way. The faster an ambulance or EMS arrives the less damage will be done to the patient. During any call to 112, do not hang up until instructed to do so.
- Most likely, the person you find will be unconscious. If you are able, move the victim to a well-ventilated area away from the fumes. The best bet is to move outside.
- If you are unable to move the victim or the smell is too strong, ventilate the room as much as possible.
- Monitor the victim and follow the basic steps for first aid. Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it. Most importantly, make sure you're in a well ventilated area. The victim can be covered in chemicals giving off the toxic fumes.
- Let conscious victims sit or lie in a position most comfortable for them.
- Unconscious victims should be placed in the recovery position.
Learn more about Treating Hazardous Material Exposure, and other First Aid for injuries, with 24x7 Medical Service at Life Saving CPR Training in New Delhi. Sign up for a class online at Delhi First Aid and CPR Training Institute.
