ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, nonirritating substance that can be in gas or liquid form. Carbon dioxide can also be used as oxygen conserver in fire extinguishers.

Case Report:

During the annihilation of 226 fire extinguishers that has 30 lt capacities for each in one of the goverment office archives, 5 security guards were intoxicated due to exposure of high concentration Carbon dioxide gas and transferred to our hospital emergency department. One of the patients was experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizure during transfer who was unconscious, had Glaskow Coma Scale E3-M5-V3, tachycardia and tachypnea at the time of entrance. He had mixed metabolic-respiratuar acidosis (pH: 7.07) and sinusal tachycardia (heart rate: 118beats/min.). Oxygene therapy (10 lt./min.) was started at the time of entrance. His consciousness (at the 45th minute of entrance) and his metabolic state (at 4th hour of entrance) returned to normal. He was discharged after 24 hours observation. The other 4 patient had normal vital signs and physical examinations; so that they were discharged after 4 hours observation.

Conclusion:

Carbon dioxide causes intoxication just like simple asphyxiants. In high concentration, however, has a direct chemical toxic effect. Carbon dioxide detectors must be placed in the Carbon dioxide intoxication risky places. During the annihilation of Carbon dioxide containing fire extinguishers all preventive measures must be taken. The intoxicated victims must be removed from the place and oxygen therapy must be started together with resuscitative procedures as soon as possible. The medical staff must never forget that Carbon dioxide gas is potentially toxic for themselves.