Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A systematic review of diagnosis and treatment during prehospital care

The objective of this study was to analyze recommendations for the management and treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning in the prehospital setting through a descriptive review of the scientific health literature. A total of 2,883 references were identified in electronic databases, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 articles were selected for analysis. The results showed that the immediate administration of high-concentration oxygen is the initial intervention of choice when carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. In addition, early transport to a facility equipped with hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the prognosis and promotes patient recovery. The most common symptoms include headache, nausea, altered level of consciousness, tachycardia, and shortness of breath. Recommended preventive measures include the proper use of devices that emit this gas, ventilation of enclosed spaces, and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors.