In addition, the presence of carbon monoxide causes a left shift in the oxygen dissociation curve, reducing the ability to release oxygen in tissues. The result is tissue hypoxia and possible injury. Organs with the highest oxygen demand, such as the heart and brain, have the greatest risk for hypoxic injury. A diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning is generally based on history and a serum carbon monoxide concentration. Antidotal therapy for this poisoning is oxygen.
Severe poisoning requires administration of oxygen under pressure in a hyperbaric chamber.
Under three atmospheres of pressure, the half-life of carbon monoxide is further reduced to approximately 30 minutes. A mechanism for transporting patients to a hyperbaric chamber should be developed if not currently available in your facility. Keep in mind that a carbon monoxide poisoning incident often results in multiple patients.