CO=most common cause of death due to poisoning
Symptomology rarely corresponds to SpCO %
Treat Symptoms, not SpCO
Pregnant – foetal hemoglobin ++++ affinity for CO over adults – Treat aggressively
Elevated SpMet will give FALSE HIGH SpCO readings
Due to vagueness of presentation, routinely screen everyone
|
0-5 % |
Normal in Non-Smokers |
With Sx’s – give oxygen, assess environment, screen others |
|
5-10 % |
Normal in Smokers, Abnormal in Non-Smokers |
With Sx’s – give oxygen, assess environment, screen others |
|
10-15 % |
Abnormal in anyone |
If symptoms and remains elevated > 10 % in any patient = transport |
|
>15 % |
Significantly abnormal |
If this elevated – transport whether symptomatic or not Esp pregnant |
|
>30 % |
? May need Hyperbaric |
If this elevated – transport whether symptomatic or not Esp pregnant |