Continuing with our recent theme of increased fire related inhalational risks with colder weather, MCHD Paramedic Podcast toxicology guru, Dr. Jerry Snow, joins us again to discuss cyanide poisoning. We’ll discuss ways to recognize cyanide toxicity and when to empirically treat. Combining this episode with our recent carbon monoxide podcast will make you razor sharp when you run on your next house fire.

References:

1. Curry, Steven C., and Meghan B. Spyres. "Cyanide: hydrogen cyanide, inorganic cyanide salts, and nitriles." Critical care toxicology (2016): 1-21.

2. Purvis, M. V., et al. "Prehospital hydroxocobalamin for inhalation injury and cyanide toxicity in the United States-analysis of a database and survey of ems providers." Annals of burns and fire disasters 30.2 (2017): 126.

3. Kaita, Yasuhiko, et al. "Cyanide poisoning is a possible cause of cardiac arrest among fire victims, and empiric antidote treatment may improve outcomes." The American journal of emergency medicine 36.5 (2018): 851-853.

4. Parker-Cote, J. L., et al. "Challenges in the diagnosis of acute cyanide poisoning." Clinical Toxicology 56.7 (2018): 609-617.