Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in fires. Toxic gases (like carbon monoxide, cyanide, and irritants) combined with heat can cause airway swelling, suffocation, and poisoning very quickly. If someone suffers smoke inhalation, treat it as an emergency.
1. Ensure your own safety first
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Do not re-enter a burning or smoke-filled building unless it is safe to do so.
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Remove the person from the smoke-filled area to fresh air immediately.
2. Call emergency services immediately
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Dial your local emergency number.
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Tell them the person has smoke inhalation — medical responders will bring oxygen and advanced airway support.
3. Check responsiveness and breathing
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If not breathing or no pulse → begin CPR immediately.
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If breathing but unconscious → place in the recovery position to keep airway open.
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If awake → keep them sitting upright (makes breathing easier).
4. Provide first aid while waiting for help
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Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest.
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Reassure and keep them calm, as panic worsens breathing.
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If available and you are trained, give supplemental oxygen.
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Encourage coughing if soot or mucus needs clearing.
5. Watch for danger signs of airway or lung injury
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Burns around the mouth, nose, or throat
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Soot in the mouth/nose, singed nasal hairs
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Hoarseness, difficulty speaking, noisy breathing (stridor, wheeze)
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Severe shortness of breath, bluish lips/skin
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Confusion, drowsiness, seizures, or fainting (carbon monoxide poisoning)
These indicate the airway may close quickly — emergency intubation may be required.
6. Do NOT
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Do not give alcohol, sedatives, or hot drinks (worsen airway and breathing).
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Do not ignore mild symptoms — lung damage can appear hours later.
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Do not let them lie flat if they are awake and struggling to breathe.
7. Aftercare
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All smoke inhalation victims should be medically evaluated, even if symptoms seem mild.
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Hospital may provide oxygen, bronchodilators, IV fluids, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (for carbon monoxide poisoning).
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