Rockland Paramedic Services Adds Life-Saving Cyanide Antidote for Smoke Inhalation Victims

Rockland Paramedic Services (RPS) has further expanded its advanced life support capabilities with the addition of CYANOKIT®, a lifesaving antidote used to treat suspected cyanide poisoning in victims of smoke inhalation from enclosed-space fires. The medication enables RPS paramedics to begin administering potentially lifesaving treatment at the scene before patients reach the hospital, further strengthening the organization's ability to provide the highest level of prehospital emergency medical care to Rockland County residents and firefighters.

The addition of CYANOKIT reflects Rockland Paramedic Services' ongoing commitment to investing in advanced equipment, evidence-based treatments and the continued training of its highly skilled paramedics. For decades, RPS has remained at the forefront of emergency medical care in Rockland County, continually enhancing its capabilities to ensure residents receive the most advanced treatment possible during medical emergencies.

While many people associate smoke inhalation with carbon monoxide exposure, modern residential fires often produce another dangerous toxin: hydrogen cyanide. Synthetic materials commonly found in today's homes, including furniture, carpeting, insulation, plastics and electronics, release cyanide gas when they burn. Victims trapped in enclosed-space fires can be exposed to both carbon monoxide and cyanide, a deadly combination that deprives the body's cells of oxygen and can become fatal within minutes if left untreated.

Smoke inhalation is responsible for the majority of residential fire deaths in the United States. Medical studies have found cyanide in approximately half of survivors rescued from enclosed-space fires and in nearly 60 percent of fire-related fatalities, demonstrating the significant role cyanide poisoning plays in fire-related injuries and deaths.

Firefighters operating inside burning structures are often exposed to dangerous levels of cyanide despite wearing protective gear, making rapid recognition and treatment critical for both civilians and first responders. With 14 CYANOKITs placed throughout its fleet, Rockland Paramedic Services has made a substantial investment in ensuring this advanced treatment is readily available for residents and firefighters across Rockland.

"Rockland Paramedic Services has always been committed to providing the highest level of emergency medical care possible to the residents of Rockland County," said Tim Egan, Executive Director of Rockland Paramedic Services. "Adding CYANOKIT to our advanced life support program is another example of that commitment. Our paramedics continually train on the latest lifesaving techniques and technologies so they are prepared to provide the most advanced care possible when seconds count. This investment further strengthens our ability to deliver critical treatment in the field and improve outcomes for the people we serve."

CYANOKIT contains hydroxocobalamin, a form of vitamin B12 that binds to cyanide, forming a non-toxic compound that is safely eliminated from the body through urine. Because there is no rapid field test for cyanide poisoning, specially trained paramedics evaluate each patient's symptoms, the fire environment and other clinical indicators to determine when administration of the antidote is appropriate.

Working in conjunction with Rockland County's volunteer ambulance corps, Rockland Paramedic Services responds to medical emergencies throughout the county every day. The addition of CYANOKIT further expands the organization's advanced clinical capabilities and reflects its longstanding commitment to bringing the latest evidence-based emergency medical treatments directly to patients when every second matters.

About Rockland Paramedic Services

Rockland Paramedic Services is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Advanced Life Support Service. Through the EMS 911 system, they respond with the volunteer ambulance corps to all medical emergencies. Rockland Paramedic Services has made a firm commitment to staff to be the best trained and qualified paramedics in the Hudson Valley. RPS has concentrated its efforts toward providing the latest state-of-the-art equipment and lifesaving medical techniques available. To find out more, visit www.rocklandparamedics.org, call 845-627-8612, or email info@rocklandparamedics.org.

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