Carbon Monoxide Headquarters

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Not diagnosing (or misdiagnosing) CO poisoning.

Not taking a complete history of recent events.

Not even considering CO poisoning as a possible diagnosis.

Not taking blood samples for COHb.

Blood samples for COHb taken too long after exposure ends.

Not ordering and/or offering hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy when it is appropriate and in an appropriate interval following CO exposure.

Not recognizing the possible longterm danger of chronic low/moderate level CO exposure.

Not administering psychometric tests and not measuring COHb before and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Discharging CO victims after only 1-2 hrs. of oxygen therapy; ie. while still symptomatic.

Not understanding or anticipating delayed sequelae from CO exposure.

Not recognizing longterm headache, nausea, fatigue, etc. as indicators of CNS damage.

Not contacting a poison control center or a specialist for more detailed & appropriate treatment options.

Not moving quickly and aggressively to remove CO from the victims' blood.