Carbon Monoxide and Cyanide Poisoning in Fire Related Deaths in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

This study showed a correlation between elevated blood ethanol and whole blood cyanide levels (r = 0.36, p < 0.001) and between elevated carboxyhaemoglobin and hydrogen cyanide levels (r = 0.34). Although the mean cyanide level was 1.3 mg/L (above the level some consider potentially toxic) in those cases with a carboxyhaemoglobin level of greater than 10%, there is insufficient data to permit recommendations for clinical care. Further studies are required on those victims that reach hospital alive.