.gif)
Firefighters are regularly exposed to risks of acute and chronic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is the most common form of injury and death due to poisoning worldwide. It has been estimated that more than 40,000 people per year seek help as a result of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Smoke inhalation is the cause of significantly more than this with 3,900 people died from exposure to fire, flame, and smoke in the United States in 2001. Treatment of poisoning involves administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy as soon as possible.
As is usually the case, there is no hyperbaric chamber when and where it is most needed. Without treatment, the half life of carboxyhemoglobin is four to six hours. Through HBO therapy, the effective half-life of carboxyhemoglobin can be decreased to 22 minutes. The presence and use of a Hyperlite to provide immediate ‘on the scene’ treatment is now a reality. Early treatment leads to rapid recovery, a therapy that can continue whilst the patient is being taken to the nearest medical centre. Delay, and the consequences may have become far more serious, even fatal.
Fire fighters and miners expose themselves to CO far more regularly than the average individual due to the closed space environments in which they operate. “This causes an increased risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Premature Death due to CO exposure” according to the New England Journal of Medicine. The USFA announced that “11.3% of firefighter deaths in 1999-2000 were related to poisoning or asphyxiation” and The New England Journal of Medicine, (Volume 356:2535-2537) demonstrated “strong correlation between CO poisoning and coronary heart disease and mortality in firefighters.”
Regular HBO Treatment would significantly reduce the levels of CO that remain in the body causing irreparable damage. A Hyperlite would provide Fire fighters with the added capability of receiving regular doses of HBO therapy in the comfort of their own Fire Station. Full Medical Technician (DMT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training can be provided for operation of the system.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is the preferred treatment for both CO poisoning and smoke inhalation, but as is usually the case, there is no hyperbaric chamber when and where it is most needed. The presence and use of a Hyperlite to provide immediate ‘on the scene’ treatment is now a reality. Early treatment leads to rapid recovery, a therapy that can continue whilst the patient is being taken to the nearest medical centre. Delay, and the consequences may have become far more serious, even fatal.
.gif)
