Cyanide is a potentially deadly poison that is known to act rapidly and lethally.
It is considered as a potent suicidal, homicidal, genocidal and chemical warfare agent.
Cyanide Antidote Kit
All About Cyanide
What is Cyanide?
What is Cyanide Poisoning?
Accidental Cyanide Poisoning
What happens when someone gets Cyanide Poisoning?
What to do in Case of Cyanide Poisoning
- Remove the patient from the contaminated area.
2. Call a doctor immediately.
3. If the patient stops breathing, administer artificial respiration until normal respiration starts again.
4. Break a Durule of amyl nitrate inhalant in a handkerchief.
5. Hold it in front of the patient’s mouth for 15 seconds. Repeat after a 15-second break.
6. Wash off any cyanide present on the skin. Remove any clothing that has been contaminated by the cyanide.
1. As first aid, initiate inhalation of oxygen immediately while preparing for IV administration.
2. Administer amyl nitrate simultaneously with oxygen. To do this, break the PVC Durule tube and let the patient inhale the amyl nitrate for 15 to 20 seconds every 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Discontinue the amyl nitrate and Inject 300 mg (10 ml) of sodium nitrate IV.
For adults: At the rate of 2.5 ml to 5 ml per minute
For children: 6 ml to 8 ml/m2 of body surface area (approx. 0.2 ml per kg of body weight), not to exceed 10 ml.
4. Immediately inject sodium thiosulfate thereafter.
For adults: 12.5 g (25 ml or a 50% solution)
For children: 7 g/m2 of body surface area, not to exceed 12.5 g
5. Pump the stomach using the stomach tube if the cyanide has been ingested orally along with the above-mentioned steps. Have a third person do this simultaneously while the second person performs the first four steps.
6. Monitor the patient closely for the next 24-48 hours.
If signs of poisoning reappear, inject sodium nitrate and sodium thiosulfate again at half the original dosage.
Even if the patient appears to be well, the medication may be given 2 hours after the first injection as a preventive measure.
