Abstract
In smoke inhalation from a fire, complex morbidity from the upper to lower airway and lung may be caused, because of the suction of heat, smoke, and poisonous gas. Clinical indications of suspected smoke inhalation are facial burns, nose hair burns, soot adhesion in the mouth, sore throat, hoarseness, respiratory problems, and consciousness disorders. Inhalation in enclosed places is also a factor for smoke inhalation to emerge easily.
This time, a fire broke out in the warehouse of the station yard of a subway, and we accepted 17 patients including two patients who were conveyed by emergency vehicles. First, we checked the disaster venue and the patients'role in the spot, the suction condition of smoke, and subjective symptoms. Next, we examined the nose, throat and larynx by laryngeal fiberscope, and checked chest X-rays and a blood test. Moreover, we took consultation if needed. Clinically, all the cases were slight illness, and they did not need inpatient care. It is necessary to fully examine whether an acceptance request should be easily accepted in the case of a fire like this, and to elaborate the measures against an emergency beforehand.
