First aid for smoke inhalation
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
Smoke inhalation causes CO poisoning and burns in the airways. Immediate evacuation is essential.
What to do
• Move the person into fresh air immediately
• Call 112 straight away
• Have the person sit in a comfortable position
• Remove clothing that is holding smoke
• Do not give water if the mouth or throat is burnt
Do not do
• Do not enter a smoke-filled space yourself without breathing protection
• Do not let the person stand or walk if they are dizzy
Warning signs
• The person has soot around the mouth or nose
• Hoarseness or loss of voice after smoke inhalation
• Unconsciousness after smoke exposure
Get help if
• Always after significant smoke inhalation — even without immediate symptoms
• The person loses consciousness
Why this matters
Carbon monoxide poisoning from smoke has no colour or smell and can be fatal. Symptoms can appear with a delay.
Source: Brandweer Nederland · reviewed 2025-01-01