Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
HS gas smells like rotten eggs
A major hazard to first responders
- Sewers or marsh areas (anaerobic decomposition)
- May be suicide technique using H2S
- Combination toilet cleanser and pesticide
- Rapidly absorbed after inhalation
- Respiratory paralysis and death in less than six minutes
- Local respiratory irritant and skin frostbite
Properties of H2S
- Colourless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas
- Rotten egg smell
- Similar to cyanide, and is x5 more toxic than carbon monoxide.
- Heavier than air
- Classically collects in basements, manholes, sewer lines, manure pits.
Clinical
Low concentrations
- Eye irritation, sore throat, cough, nausea, SOB
Moderate
- Fatigue, vomiting, incoordination, headaches
High concentrations
- Seizures, amnesia, confusion, coma, death
- Chemical pneumonitis
Treatment
- Strict PPE for first responders
- Respiratory equipment
- Move victim to fresh air
- BVM if apnoeic
- High flow oxygen
- Amyl nitrate (inhalation)
- Sodium nitrite,
- Bronchodilators
- Hyperbaric therapy
