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Carbon monoxide poisoning - Management
How do I manage suspected higher level carbon monoxide poisoning?
- If features of higher level poisoning are present:
- Remove the person (and all others) from the suspected source of poisoning.
- Assess and manage the airway, breathing and circulation.
- Give oxygen in the highest available concentration, preferably via a face mask with a reservoir.
- Arrange an ambulance for immediate transport to hospital for urgent assessment, and check blood glucose to exclude hypoglycaemia while awaiting the ambulance.
- Shut down all potential sources of carbon monoxide poisoning and ventilate the area, if it is possible to do so safely.
- Contact the local Health Protection Unit who will coordinate Environmental Health and Safety, Social, and other services to protect your patient and others. For local contact details, see www.hpa.org.uk.
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