Smoke inhalation

●Critical

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Fire
Smoke
Structural collapse
Carbon monoxide

Quick summary

Fresh air. Call 112. Sit upright. Watch breathing closely.

Do This Now

Step 1: Get to fresh air immediately if scene is still smoky
Step 2: Call 112 immediately
Step 3: Keep them sitting upright
Step 4: Remove smoky clothing if safe
Step 5: Monitor breathing — soot around nose or mouth is a warning sign

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT re-enter a burning or smoky building for belongings.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume they are fine because symptoms seem mild.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give food or drink if hoarse voice or facial burns — airway may swell.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say: "Smoke inhalation from fire. Trouble breathing / soot around face / hoarse voice."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Give fire location and whether others may still be inside.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Anyone with smoke exposure and breathing symptoms needs emergency evaluation — damage can worsen over hours.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All significant smoke inhalation needs hospital monitoring — airway can close hours later.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Carbon monoxide poisoning may cause headache and confusion without visible burns — mention smoke exposure to medics.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move to safety and monitor. Do not re-enter burning buildings. Hospital can assess airway burns and carbon monoxide.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

Learn more

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Full guide and explanation →

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Call 112

Smoke inhalation — Do This Now | AidNow