Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Multiple cases of occult carbon monoxide poisoning, in which the patient did not suspect carbon monoxide exposure, have been identified during hospital emergency department visits.
Patients were initially screened using a non-invasive CO-pulsoximeter, followed by confirmatory blood gas analysis for those with elevated screening levels. Since 2008, health care providers are asked to report all cases of elevated carbon monoxide exposure to the Department of Health utilizing the Health Care Provider Report: CO Poisoning.
The Division of Emergency Medical Services has prepared guidance on the assessment of CO poisoning that supplements the current Rhode Island Prehospital Care Protocols and Standing Orders.