Cyanide Poisoning AGHABIKLOOEI Fellowship of Medical Toxicology Iran University of Medical sciences

Sources Plants Fire (smoke inhalation Tox) Factory Incidents Terrorism & War Suicidal Fluid/ White powder (KCN)

CO & CN are twins Inhalation of HCN at a concentration of 270 ppm (approximately 0.3 mg HCN per liter) will be immediately fatal. The signs & symptoms of CN & CO poisoning can be hard to distinguish.

Acute poisoning from poorly soluble salts, like Na cyanide, may not manifest or become life-threatening until several hours after exposure. Pts who may have ingested cyanide should be admitted for a 24 hr observation period. Pts should be re-evaluated 7-10 days after discharge from the hospital.

KEY INFO Speed is critical. If antidote has been administered in the field ? Begin treatment protocol immediately for symptomatic victim. Avoid mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (regardless of route of exposure).