How hydroxocobalamin is saving lives on the fireground with FDNY Captain Joseph Spinelli

About this episode

Captain Joseph Spinelli discusses the life-saving effects of hydroxocobalamin in treating smoke inhalation victims on the fireground.

Smoke inhalation is the most common cause of fire-related deaths. Fire victims are exposed to toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. High levels of cyanide can cause rapid symptoms like confusion, breathing problems and collapse. The body’s cells can’t use oxygen efficiently, which can quickly lead to cellular death and organ failure, so rapid treatment is vital. CYANOKITS containing the powerful and effective antidote to cyanide, hydroxocobalamin, have been carried by our FDNY ALS Units and EMS officers since 2008. In late 2020, REMAC protocols changed, requiring all ALS units in New York City to carry the kits. And lives have been saved. Captain Randy Li welcomes EMS Special Operations Command’s Captain Joseph Spinelli to the podcast to discuss this life-saving treatment.

People in this episode

Host: Captain Randy Li

Guest: Captain Joseph Spinelli

Topics covered

• fire safety
• emergency medicine
• toxic gas treatment
• cylinder antidote
• smoke inhalation
• life-saving protocols

Keywords

• hydroxocobalamin
• smoke inhalation
• cyanide antidote
• FDNY
• emergency response
• life-saving treatment
• REMAC protocols
• CYANOKITS

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FDNY, FDNY ALS Units, REMAC

Products: CYANOKITS, hydroxocobalamin

Places: New York City

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