A Novel Method for Continuous Environmental Surveillance for Carbon Monoxide Exposure to Protect Emergency Medical Service Providers and Patients

摘要: Abstract Background Carbon monoxide exposure is an important, but frequently undiagnosed, cause for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response. Its elusive characteristics and non-specific symptoms make detection difficult without monitoring devices. Consequently, both patients EMS providers are at increased risk of harm from such exposures. Case Series We report a series five cases carbon encounters, in which was not suspected, whereby portable (pager-sized) environmental detectors, that provide continuous surveillance the ambient air, were utilized. These devices carried within, or attached to, first-in medical jump bags, alerting crews to potentially harmful levels monoxide. Conclusion This case highlights importance by providers, particularly where its presence suspected. was, fact, all encounters presented herein.