An Excerpt from the course on Soft Tissue Trauma

Inhalation burns occur when burning takes place in enclosed spaces without ventilation. When patients inhale the hot air or smoke, it damages their upper airways. In such cases, immediate intervention is required for the upper airway burns as these can impede the airflow.

The lower airways can also damage, provided the patient inhales chemicals and other particulate matter. This is more likely when the patient inhales toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide in industrial combustion.

Carbon monoxide intoxication is also a possibility, and it should be considered when a group of people in the same area complain of headache or nausea.

The prehospital care for such patients includes decontamination and supportive care. In the event of toxic gas inhalation, recognize the burn and its impact on the respiratory system, identify the toxic gas, and provide supportive treatment until the patient is transported.