Emergency Response and Medical Organizations Unite to Improve Recognition and Treatment of Cyanide Poisoning

LAS VEGAS, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing that limited awareness of sources of cyanide poisoning pose a risk to the health and safety of communities across the county, leading fire, medical and industry organizations announced today the formation of the Cyanide Poisoning Treatment Coalition (CPTC), a national non-profit organization seeking to foster a rational approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cyanide poisoning through increased research, advocacy and education. The Coalition has also launched an educational Website, http://www.cyanidepoisoning.org , to provide information on cyanide poisoning and Coalition membership and sponsorship opportunities.

The Coalition will host its first educational exhibit for attendees of the annual Fire-Rescue Med Conference on April 24 and 25. The conference, sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs -- EMS Section, is being held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and will also feature the first CPTC-endorsed educational program on diagnosing and treating cyanide: "Cyanide Detection and Treatment - Instructor Course" presented by National Association of EMS Educators (Saturday, April 22, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm).

Studies have shown that smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in 60 to 80 percent(1) of the almost 4,000 fire deaths and more than 20,000 injuries in the Unites States every year.(2) Firefighters, children and the elderly are at especially high risk of fire-related injury or death. Many residential fires are started by the ignition of common household objects, such as mattresses and other bedding materials, which are highly likely to contain the natural and synthetic materials that release hydrogen cyanide when they burn.(3)

Recently, cyanide played a part in three fires in Providence, Rhode Island which sent several firefighters to the hospital with cyanide poisoning. While the fires are still under investigation, it is believed the source of the cyanide was from items releasing the gas while burning in the homes and businesses. The Providence Fire Department has formed a task force to conduct a review of the facts that led to the exposure and to take appropriate steps to ensure firefighters are adequately protected in the future.

"The recent incidents in Rhode Island show that one of the most common ways the general public may be affected by cyanide poisoning is through smoke inhalation from structure fires," said Donald Walsh, EMT-P, Ph.D, President of the Board of the Cyanide Poisoning Treatment Coalition and Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department. "The U.S. fire-related death rate continues to rank as one of the highest in developing countries despite our targeted efforts to reduce the toll. We need to look at cyanide poisoning risk factors very closely in the U.S. -- they are overlooked, and in some cases, instances of poisoning are not recognized or treated," said Dr. Walsh.

Organizations with Participating Representatives American College of Emergency Physicians American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers International Association of Fire Chiefs, EMS Section National Association of EMS Educators National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians National Association of EMS Physicians National Association of State EMS Officials Gauging Awareness of Cyanide: Exposure Risk and Treatment Preparedness RTI National Survey on Cyanide Risk and Preparedness

Conducted by RTI (Research Triangle Institute) International, this survey polled Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical service (EMS) providers from 832 fire departments and 507 ALS providers around the country. Findings included: