How to Help Someone Who Has Swallowed Gasoline
Swallowing gasoline is one of the most common hazards which people working in the oil industry face on a daily basis. Car mechanics are also exposed to the danger in case they try to siphon out gasoline from fuel tanks. Then there is the case of children trying something adventurous, and people having suicidal tendencies. While the mishap can be disastrous for a person’s health, it does give some time to strike back and bring things back under control.
The most important thing in this scenario is to avoid the common perception of making the victim vomit. When a person swallows gasoline, the fumes generated have a toxic effect on the lungs. Trying to induce a vomit, will give these fumes a second chance to contaminate the lungs and that might prove to be fatal. There are also some immediate steps which can be taken to help the victim.
Instructions
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1
Make sure that the burping dies out immediately
Gasoline releases fumes as soon as it goes inside our system. These fumes are very dangerous to out lungs. The first thing therefore is to cancel this effect of gasoline intake. -
2
Drink a glass of milk or water immediately
A glass of milk will go a long way in settling the fumes which are released upwards towards the lungs of the patient. If milk is not available, make sure that the victim intakes water regularly. This technique is only applicable for patients who are conscious. -
3
Never give the patient any carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks will facilitate the process of burping, and even if the patient insists, make sure that he has no access to frizzy drinks. -
4
Provide moral support
Never talk about the potential hazards of gasoline swallowing in front of the patient. Keep on reminding him/her that this is problem which gets sorted in a couple of hours. -
5
Call for professional help
Waste absolutely no time in calling for medical support. If you have a scintilla of doubt that the response can be delayed, rush the patient to the hospital.
