- Author
- Miller, P. M.
- Title
- Nonthermal Inhalation Injury.
- Coporate
- Air Force Materials Lab., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
- Report
- Thesis, 1992, 69 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- injuries | inhalation | burns (injuries) | patients | smoke inhalation | human beings | physiology | medical services
- Abstract
- Inhalation injury is one of the leading factors in the deaths of burn patients and is the leading cause of death at the scene of fires. Research into sepsis and burn care have taken precedence since 1960. Only recently have researchers taken a closer look at smoke inhalation and its effects. With the increased use of snythetic materials in buildings, furniture and clothes there is a need for emergency personnel to understand the effects of the various byproducts of combustion on the human body. A thorough knowledge of the physiological mechanisms, relevant assessment parameters and treatment modalities related to smoke inhalation enables the emergency CNS to provide expert care. The CNS must then use this knowledge to provide education to emergency and prehopital staff. The emergency CNS may also play a large role in the current research on new treatments. This paper reviews the physiology, assessment and treatment of inhalation injuries. Suggestions are also made regarding how the emergency CNS can incorporate this knowledge into the roles of the CNS.