Although there are particulates in wood smoke capable of causing low-level inflammation, this type of exposure rarely requires medical attention. A well-oxygenated, outdoor wood fire may produce a very light smoke with relatively few chemicals. The composition of the gaseous mixture “fire smoke” varies according to the fuel and conditions. Smoke exposure and CO can injure the victim immediately or over a cumulative time period. Exposure to heavy smoke conditions will create very different signs and symptoms when compared to longer exposures to light smoke. The smoke civilians are exposed to during fire development and suppression is thick, hot and very toxic, while the smoke firefighters experience after the fire is lighter and more likely to be laden with fine particulates and carcinogens. The difference between civilian and firefighter exposures is easy to identify. The smoke may be hot or mixed with steam, and capable of causing hypoxemia and damage to every portion of the respiratory tree.Įven though firefighters are typically exposed to smoke at every fire, those exposures account for less than 2.5% of all line-of-duty injuries. 1 In fact, victims are rarely found in the fire room–more often, they’re found in nearby unburned rooms, possibly exposed to heavy smoke loads. What’s the biggest danger in a structure fire for citizens and firefighters? The National Fire Protection Association report “Fatal Effects of Fire” estimates that victims trapped in a structure fire are twice as likely to die of smoke inhalation when compared to burns. Ultrafine particles: Nano-sized particles that are the result of combustion or friction processes or natural processes in the air or water.Hypoxemia: An abnormal deficiency in the concentration of oxygen in arterial blood.Hydrogen cyanide: A colorless, toxic, volatile liquid or gas with the aroma of bitter almonds.Carcinogen: A substance that can cause the growth of cancer.Learn how to assess and treat victims of smoke inhalation.Recognize the effects different types of smoke have on the body. Identify the difference between civilian and firefighter smoke exposure.
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