What to Do If You Inhale Smoke? Basic First Aid to Help Quickly and Survive

Following the incident of the recent Lat Phrao fire, it is clear that inhaling smoke or"smoke inhalation"is a serious danger that should not be underestimated. Even without burns, toxins in the smoke—such as carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases—along with heat from the flames can damage the airways and lungs, causing breathing difficulties or oxygen deprivation.

Many might assume that if someone can still talk or walk, they are not at risk. However, symptoms from smoke inhalation can sometimes appear hours later. Therefore, proper first aid and close monitoring are crucial.

"Smoke inhalation" and its dangers during a fire incident

Smoke from fires contains not only soot but also toxic gases, fine particles, and chemicals released from burning materials like plastic, foam, fabric, or furniture. These can cause the following effects on the body:

• Reduced oxygen intake,
• irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs,
• swelling of the airways causing breathing difficulty,
• carbon monoxide poisoning,
• and in severe cases, unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, or death.

Signs of smoke inhalation not to overlook

Symptoms vary depending on the amount of smoke inhaled, exposure duration, and type of toxins. Common symptoms include:

Mild symptoms

• eye irritation and tearing,
• coughing and sore throat,
• hoarseness,
• mild chest tightness,
• dizziness and headache,
• and nausea.

Severe symptoms

• rapid or difficult breathing,
• wheezing,
• coughing up black phlegm or soot,
• bluish lips or fingernails,
• drowsiness, confusion, or incoherent speech,
• and loss of consciousness.

Basic first aid for smoke inhalation symptoms What to do for "smoke inhalation"

If someone inhales smoke, assist them as follows: 1. Immediately move the person away from the smoky area to a place with fresh air, ensuring the area is safe before helping. Do not enter buildings still on fire or filled with thick smoke.

2. Call emergency medical services

If the patient shows abnormal signs such as difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, or suspected heavy smoke inhalation, call the emergency medical hotline 1669 immediately.

3. Loosen tight clothing

such as collars, ties, or belts to help the patient breathe more easily.

4. Have the patient sit in a position that aids breathing

generally slightly reclined and avoid lying flat if conscious, as this helps breathing.

5. Monitor breathing

If unconscious but still breathing, place the patient in the recovery position to prevent choking. If breathing stops or there is no pulse and the helper is trained, begin CPR and await medical professionals.

Danger signs after smoke inhalation requiring hospital care

Anyone who inhales smoke should be medically evaluated if they experience:

increased breathing difficulty or fatigue, persistent coughing, coughing up black phlegm,

increased hoarseness,

• chest pain,
• severe dizziness,
• unusual drowsiness, confusion, or disorientation,
• loss of consciousness,
• burns on the face, mouth, or nose,
• or soot inside the nose or mouth.
• Smoke inhalation from a fire
• is an emergency that may be more serious than it appears. Even without visible burns, toxins and heat in smoke can damage respiratory systems and cause oxygen deficiency.
• The most important action is to move the patient from the smoky area to fresh air, call 1669 if abnormal symptoms occur, and promptly seek medical evaluation when danger signs are present to prevent later complications.