WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Short of sustaining burns, smoke inhalation is the
greatest danger posed by a fire. Smoke from a fire may contain
poison gases or may be hot enough to burn your throat and
airways, resulting in serious breathing
problems.
Signs/Symptoms
After inhaling too much smoke,
you may develop such symptoms as coughing, breathing
difficulties, upset stomach, vomiting, sleepiness, and
confusion.
Care
If you have inhaled a lot of
smoke or it has burned your airways, you may need to be
hospitalized so you can be given oxygen. You may also need
medication.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Get out of a smoky area as quickly as
possible.
-
Once you've reached fresh air, rest while taking deep
breaths.
-
Do not return to a burning building until the fire
has been put out and all smoke is
gone.
-
Buy smoke detectors for your
home.
-
Make an escape plan in case there is a fire in your
home. Practice it with your family.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You develop a high temperature.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have wheezing, trouble breathing, a continuous
cough, an upset stomach, or vomiting.
-
You become confused, irritable, or unusually sleepy.
Have someone drive you to the hospital or call
911 or
0 (for the
operator).
DO NOT drive yourself.
Return to top
|