In suspected carbon monoxide exposure or inhalation hazard, what is the immediate priority action for the caller and patient?

• A. Stay inside and monitor symptoms
• B. Move the patient to fresh air and call for help
• C. Ventilate by opening windows only
• D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula without supervision

Answer: (B)

The highest priority in suspected carbon monoxide exposure is to remove the person from the source and get emergency help right away. CO is colorless and odorless, and it binds to hemoglobin, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Moving the patient to fresh air stops further exposure and improves oxygenation immediately, while calling for help ensures rapid professional assessment and treatment, such as high‑flow oxygen, if needed. Ventilating the area by opening windows alone may not remove the gas quickly enough and could prolong exposure. Administering oxygen via a nasal cannula without supervision isn’t appropriate as an immediate action for a caller, since proper oxygen delivery and monitoring are best handled by responders.