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Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine 2012;23(2): 295-297. |
| A Case of Carbon Dioxide Poisoning by Malfunction of a Carbon Dioxide- Based Fire Extinguishing System |
| Won Jung Jeong, Byung Hak So, Hyung Min Kim |
| Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea. sohak@catholic.ac.kr |
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| ABSTRACT |
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Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, nonirritating gas with many practical uses. In particular, because it can displace oxygen from the environment, it is used as a fire extinguisher. We describe an incident that occurred as a result of malfunction of a carbon dioxide-based fire extinguishing system in our hospital. Twelve casualties reached our emergency department. Symptoms of exposure included nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, vomiting, chest discomfort, and seizure. Results of initial arterial blood gas analysis showed acidosis in five patients. A new pneumonic infiltration at the left. upper lung field was observed in one patient, while sinus tachycardia in electrocardiography (ECG) was observed in another patient.
Oxygen was initially supplied to all casualties, until symptoms of intoxication had disappeared. Three patients were admitted to the hospital, but were discharged without complication. Despite occurrence of massive casualties, with significant symptoms due to unintentional exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide, patients' symptoms were relieved by supportive care. |
| Key words:
Carbon dioxide, Poisoning, Mass casualty incidents |
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