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Feature of Fire Extinguisher
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Effect
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pressurized
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barotrauma
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inert gas. liquid or dry powder
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asphyxiation
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dry chemical
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acid-base disorder, chemical burns
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If the nozzle is placed in the mouth, then a pressurized extinguisher can cause:
(1) rupture of the esophagus
(2) barotrauma to the lungs
(3) pneumomediastinum (via Macklin effect)
(4) pneumothorax
Discharge of carbon dioxide or dry chemical powder into the lungs can cause asphyxiation.
Chemical powders used to suppress fires:
(1) bicarbonates: potassium, sodium
(2) phosphates: ammonium dihydrogen
(3) chloride: potassium
(4) sulphate: ammonium
Chemical derangements may include:
(1) hypernatremia (sodium bicarbonate)
(2) metabolic alkalosis (bicarbonate)
(3) metabolic acidosis (phosphate)
(4) hyperphosphatemia
(5) hypocalcemia
(6) hyperkalemia
(7) hypomagnesemia
Other chemical effects:
(1) phosphate nephropathy with acute renal failure
(2) ventricular tachycardia
