Skills to avoid gas poisoning in the fire

Most people who die in the fire are inhaled, not burned. The smoke easily spreads, resulting in disorientation, making it more difficult for the victim to escape.

Toxic CO, CO2 emitted when a fire easily causes suffocation, need to cover the nose and mouth with a wet towel, take the poisoned victim to a cool place and give artificial respiration if necessary.

There are many toxic gases produced in the smoke of fires such as CO, CO2, ammonia, organic acids . in which CO and CO2 are the main causes of death. In many fires, victims die from gas poisoning leading to respiratory failure.

The scene of Madarin workers camp fire on Tan Mai Street (Hanoi) on September 18.(Photo: Facebook).

According to the first aid manual of Bach Mai Hospital, the toxic gases generated from the fire are extremely dangerous:

• Carbon dioxide (CO): Colorless, odorless, light gas is airless, very toxic to respiratory system and circulatory system.When CO is inhaled, the blood becomes unable to receive oxygen, the nervous system will be paralyzed.
• Carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ): Colorless gas, odorless, heavier than air, inhaled people will suffocate. When CO ₂ concentration from 3% begins to cause difficulty breathing, 8% to 10% can cause loss of sensation and death.
• Burning products contain chlorine and compounds of chlorine (such as HCl) are very toxic to the lungs.
• Combustion products containing sulfur and sulfur compounds (H ₂ S, SO ₂ .) are toxic to the mucosa, mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

First aid for people with CO, CO ₂ poisoning

Firefighters are extinguishing a large house fire.

• Quickly expand the door, make it airy, take the victim out of the poisoning area as quickly as possible and take care to ensure safety for the emergency.
• If the victim breathes weak, stops breathing: Breathe immediately by artificial respiration of the mouth - mouth or mouth - nose.
• If the victim is no longer alert, lie on the side in a safe position.
• Quickly call the support person, call emergency number 115.

The Hanoi Fire Protection Police also instructed the escape of the fire as follows:

• To prevent inhalation of toxic fumes, cover your mouth with a towel to cover your mouth and air filter when breathing.A smoke mask can be used if equipped first.
• To escape from the fire, in addition to using a absorbent towel to cover the nose's mouth, the victim must use a blanket or blanket dipped with water to cover his entire body and run quickly through the fire to avoid burning the clothes causing burns to the skin.