Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that occurs as a result of incomplete combustion of carbon containing substance. It is less common as safety has improved but can still occur as a result of poorly maintained gas appliances, burning solid fuel inside (log burners) or using barbecues or camping stoves in confined spaces.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Headache - 90%
  • Nausea and vomiting - 50%
  • Vertigo - 50%
  • Alteration in consciousness - 30%
  • Weakness  - 20%

CO poisoning can also cause longer term nervous system damage and result in problems with dementia, memory and concentration, as well as causing symptoms similar to Parkinson's Disease. Possible longer term effects include mental health problems such as depression.

If you think you have been exposed to carbon monoxide open windows and doors to increase ventilation and attend your nearest Emergency Department. A blood test can be taken to determine if you have carbon monoxide poisoning.

There are very specific circumstances in which HBO may help someone who has carbon monoxide poisoning. HBO can help improve oxygenation of tissues and speed up the elimination of carbon monoxide from the body.

A doctor can refer a patient to a hyperbaric chamber if they fit the following criteria:

  • new neurological deficit or mental status change
  • carboxyhaemoglobin of greater than 25% at any time
  • pregnancy
  • ECG evidence of myocardial involvement (evidence of damage to the heart)
  • loss of consciousness, even if subsequently recovered

Further information about the Referral & Funding process can be found here.

 

References

Hampson NB, Little CE. Hyperbaric treatment of patients with carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2005 Jan-Feb;32(1):21-6. PMID: 15796311.

Mathieu D, Marroni A, Kot J. Tenth European Consensus Conference on Hyperbaric Medicine: recommendations for accepted and non-accepted clinical indications and practice of hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Diving Hyperb Med. 2017 Mar;47(1):24-32. doi: 10.28920/dhm47.1.24-32. Erratum in: Diving Hyperb Med. 2017 Jun;47(2):131-132. doi: 10.28920/dhm47.2.131-132. PMID: 28357821; PMCID: PMC6147240.

Emergency
';