Stratford EMS now carrying CyanoKits
Stratford Patch: November 08, 2013 at 01:37 PM
Stratford EMS has announced the deployment of a new drug called CyanoKit that is used to help treat those who have been overcome by smoke inhalation. The medication removes Hydrogen Cyanide from the blood stream. Hydrogen cyanide is a by-product of the combustion of materials found in products used in everyday life (insulation, carpets, clothing, and synthetics), and is considered to be one of the more lethal gasses found in smoke from building fires.
The FDA approved medication is very expensive ($750 a dose) and while data supporting it’s effectiveness is very limited because it is rarely used and there is no way for responders to effectively test whether or not someone has actually taken in an unhealthy amount of Hydrogen Cyanide, the drug has few side effects and it is believed that the benefits of carrying and using this potentially life-saving drug, far out way the cost. It’s use will be limited to very controlled and specific circumstances approved by local medical protocol.
The medication was purchased through a grant by the Fairfield County HazMat team Chiefs and was placed on the Stratford EMS Paramedic ambulances on November 7, 2013 after local medical control approval.
