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First aid measures

Authoring team

The aim is to terminate exposure and support vital functions whilst medical help is being sought:

  • protective clothing and breathing apparatus should be worn if hydrogen cyanide or liquid cyanide are involved

  • if the patient is unconscious, establish an airway and give 100 % oxygen - if this is unavailable, employ expired air resuscitation; use of a Laerdal pocket mask is preferred to mouth to mouth contact if cyanide salts have been ingested

  • remove all contaminated clothing

  • wash skin thoroughly with soap and water

  • give amyl nitrite by inhalation:
    • preferably, give 0.2 - 0.4 ml amyl nitrite via an Ambu bag; alternatively,
    • break one ampoule of amyl nitrite onto a cloth and hold under the patient's nose for 30 seconds in every minute - use a new ampoule every 3 minutes to a maximum of 6

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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