Comments
Chemical asphyxiants include hydrogen cyanide (HCN), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon monoxide (CO). HCN and H2S combine with enzymes to disrupt respiration at the cellular level, while CO binds with hemoglobin to block the delivery of oxygen to the cells. Other findings may include confusion, ataxia, weakness, and tachycardia that can progress to bradycardia and asystole. [5MCC, Current Consult, p. 1078, 1091, Ford, p. 706]