Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure is measured by the level of CO bound to hemoglobin in the blood, known as carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), through a blood test that expresses the percentage of HbCO relative to total hemoglobin. Generally, HbCO levels in unexposed individuals are less than 1%. They are less than 3% in non-smokers in urban areas and less than 10% in smokers.

HbCO concentration can also be estimated using an electronic analyzer to measure CO in exhaled air or, more recently, through blood testing via pulse CO-oximetry using a sensor placed on the index or middle finger of the affected individual.

What is the appropriate management for carbon monoxide poisoning?

The first step is to evacuate the toxic atmosphere (ensuring that rescuers themselves are exposed to very little carbon monoxide).

Only early oxygen therapy can reduce the consequences of poisoning.

Oxygen is administered via high-pressure inhalation or hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in cases of impaired consciousness, loss of consciousness, or objective clinical abnormalities, or if the person is vulnerable (such as a pregnant woman). For this, patients are hospitalized and placed in a hyperbaric chamber.

In less severe cases, oxygen is administered at atmospheric pressure (normobaric oxygen therapy).

In parallel with the care of the poisoned individual, the cause of the incident must be identified as soon as possible in order to neutralize this source and address it, thereby reducing the risk of further poisoning among those around the victim and preventing a recurrence of carbon monoxide poisoning upon returning home.