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First Aid

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Poisoning — CO & Chlorine

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Colourless, odourless, tasteless gas. Binds haemoglobin 240× faster than oxygen. Comes from incomplete combustion: gas burners, coal/wood stoves, oil heaters. Often unsuspected until serious symptoms appear.

CO poisoning levels

  • MILD: mild headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, weakness
  • MODERATE: throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, vision problems, unsteady gait, muscle weakness, fast heart rate
  • SEVERE: unconscious, seizures, respiratory and cardiac arrest, death

CO first aid

  • YOUR safety FIRST — do NOT enter a suspected CO room
  • Ventilate the space well BEFORE going in
  • Don't do this alone
  • VODDO; recovery position if breathing
  • CPR if no signs of life — mouth-to-mouth or with aids is safe (CO is in the blood, not exhaled air at dangerous levels)
  • After consultation with EMS: high-flow O₂ via mask with reservoir at 15 L/min
  • SAMPLE

Chlorine (relevant at indoor pools)

Toxic gas with sweet metallic taste and sharp smell. Used in pool disinfection. Released accidentally → airway irritation. Signs: cough, salivation, burning eyes, tearing, nausea, bitter taste.

Chlorine first aid

  • Move to fresh air
  • Wash skin thoroughly
  • Rinse eyes with warm water
  • High concentration → call 112
  • Mild symptoms → see a doctor
  • SAMPLE
Poisoning — CO & Chlorine