The National Association of EMTs is one of seven professional organizations participating in the Cyanide Poisoning Treatment Coalition (CPTC).
The CPTC is a national non-profit organization that seeks to foster a rational approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cyanide poisoning through increased research, advocacy and education. The CPTC has launched a Web site at www.cyanidepoisoning.org to provide information on cyanide poisoning, coalition membership and sponsorship opportunities.
According to the CPTC, hydrogen cyanide, the gaseous form of cyanide, is present in vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke and is produced during structure fires when products containing carbon and nitrogen, such as wool, paper, cotton, silk and plastics, burn incompletely. Inhaling smoke from one of these fires is likely the most common source of cyanide poisoning, CPTC said.
NAEMT joined the cyanide coalition because of the potential health effects of cyanide gas to EMS workers at the scene of a fire. According to the CPTC Web site, “[C]yanide poisoning should be suspected in any person exposed to smoke in a closed-space regardless of whether burns have been sustained. Soot in the mouth and around the nose, combined with an altered level of consciousness, also suggests a high probability of cyanide toxicity.”
NAEMT is committed to a safe working environment for EMS personnel. “The prehospital environment poses many occupational hazards to workers, including injury, disease exposure and emotional/psychological trauma,” according to the NAEMT Policy Platform for 2005-2006. “As first responders to disasters and terrorism, the occupational risks to EMS personnel must be protected through investment in more research of occupational hazards and increased safety training and equipment.”
Click here for more information about NAEMT’s activities in improving EMS health and safety.