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MORGANTOWN - For fire victims or firefighters suffering from suspected cyanide poisoning due to smoke inhalation, the timely administration of an effective treatment could be the difference between life and death.
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, and in partnership with the county's career and volunteer fire departments, Monongalia Emergency Medical Services has announced that it will become the first EMS agency in the region to begin carrying CYANOKIT as part of its frontline, prehospital service.
Cyanide exposure can occur during structure fires, particularly when synthetic materials and other nitrogen-containing products burn in enclosed spaces. Once inhaled, cyanide interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen at the cellular level, meaning a patient may have oxygen available in the bloodstream, but their cells are unable to effectively utilize it, potentially leading to death.
CYANOKIT contains hydroxocobalamin, an FDA-approved antidote used for known or suspected cyanide poisoning.
As treatment for significant cyanide toxicity can be extremely time sensitive, a Mon EMS press release says placing the antidote directly into the prehospital response system is a potential lifesaver, allowing paramedics to bring definitive antidotal therapy to the patient rather than relying on the medication becoming available only after arrival at a hospital.
Modern structure fires routinely involve plastics, synthetic furnishings and other materials capable of producing highly toxic combustion products. Firefighters enter these environments while fighting flames, finding and rescuing trapped occupants.
Mon EMS says making CYANOKIT available at the scene provides another layer of medical preparedness for the county's fire service.
"This is exactly what an integrated emergency response system should accomplish," Mon EMS Director of Operations Dan Dushanko said. "Our firefighters are going into environments that most people are trying to escape. If a civilian or one of our firefighters develops signs of severe smoke inhalation and suspected cyanide toxicity, we want our paramedics to have the appropriate treatment with them at the scene, where minutes matter."
According to Mon EMS, purchase and deployment of the CYANOKITs was made possible through grant funding awarded to Mon EMS by the Monongalia County Commission.
"We are extremely grateful to the Monongalia County Commissioners for investing in this capability," Mon EMS Director of Clinical Services Dr. Robby May said. "This funding allows us to take a treatment that traditionally may not become available until a patient reaches the hospital and moves it directly onto the emergency scene. That benefits our patients, our volunteer firefighters and our career firefighters throughout Monongalia County."