Toxic Gases Flashcards
approach to all toxic inhalation scenarios
scene safety
PPE
High flow, 100% O2
four different mechanisms that inhaled agents manifest
physical particulates
simple asphyxiants
chemical irritants
chemical asphyxiants
examples of physical particulates
dust or COMBUSTION SOOT
physical findings of physical particulate exposure
excessive coughing, SOB.
may include burns to the face, singed nasal vibrissae, soot in oropharynx, passages, proximal airways, carbonaceous sputum.
pathophysiology of simple asphyxiants
cause injury by merely being present in an environment and displacing the normal levels of ATM oxygen
gas agents that are included in “simple asphyxiants”
CO2
Nitrogen
Methane
Natural Gas
initial effect of exposure to simple asphyxiants
narcotic like sleepiness
these irritants express their toxic effects by chemical reaction with the mucus membranes of the eyes and respiratory system
chemical irritants
two general classes of chemical irritants
hydrophilic andiron hydrophilic
examples of hydrophilic inhaled agents
hydrochloric acid and ammonia
why do non hydrophilic agents pass more deeply into the lungs and cause direct lung injury?
because non hydrophilic agents don’t readily react with the moist membranes of the upper respiratory tract
what is an example of a non hydrophilic chemical irritant
phosgene gas (a major chemical used to make plastic and pesticides)
treatment of chemical irritant exposure
supportive care and irrigation o the eyes with water and saline
examples of chemical asphyxiants
CO
cyanide gas (HCN)
hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
treatment for CO poisoning
high concentration of of o2
