A fireman or emergency medical technician (EMT) is at risk for exposure to carbon monoxide, especially when trying to attend to someone overcome by the gas.
The goals of the first responder:
(1) removal of any victims from the affected area as fast as possible
(2) protection of self and co-workers
Steps that can reduce the risk:
(1) use of a portable carbon monoxide (CO) detector
(2) wearing self-contained breathing apparatus
(3) training in steps for self-protection
(4) opening windows and doors to provide ventilation of an enclosed space when possible
(5) not acting alone
If a CO detector is available and if the CO concentration is less than 50 ppm, then the opening of windows and doors may be sufficient to reduce th CO concentration.
If a CO detector is available and if the CO concentration is higher, then the use of self-contained breathing apparatus becomes more important.
