Carbon monoxide recognition.?

Question

At a recent First Aid course, we were told when a victim has died from Carbon Monoxide that, theircomplexionn is pink in colour? Is this true? The consensus from some was, that cyanosis would be the dominant skin colour. Can anyone settle this disagreement please.

Answer 1

I'll have to ask Dr. Bailey.

Answer 2

Since carbon monoxide is not consumed in peripheral tissue, as is oxygen, it continues its circulation in veins back to the lungs where some may be excreted or the carbon monoxide load may be increased. The presence of this red pigment in the venous return is responsible for the abnormally red color of the skin and mucus membranes.

Answer 3

Yes, people who die from CO poisoning are more likely to be pink or even red than blue.  When the CO binds to hemoglobin, it turns it bright red (see the section under "Hemoglobin").  It doesn't always happen, but it is a symptom of CO poisoning.

Answer 4

I have also heard that you look pink and health, because monoyxhaemoglobin is red, not blue.

Answer 5

it doesn't matter, the first question you should be thinking about is if he got a rebate for carbon tax or earned carbon credits.

Answer 6

Is this a first aid course or a forensic science course you're on?! Sounds fascinating anyway!

I've looked on various sites and the consensus seems to be that as the carbon monoxide MAY in some, cause the blood blood pressure to rise, the victim's skin therefore may take on a pink or red cast.

One site (listed below) states the following:

'....victims of carbon monoxide poisoning are a distinctive 'cherry red' or 'pink'. This is clearly stated in most toxicology handbooks and is probably well known to every doctor and to most, if not all, emergency medical personnel.'

Hope that helps!