Awareness, among primary health care physicians, of acute cyanide poisoning being a possible consequence of fire accidents

Abstract

Objectives: To discern the degree of awareness amongst the primary health care physicians about the fact that cyanide poisoning is a possible consequence of fire accidents. Methods: Using an anonymous questionnaire, thirty allopath primary health care physicians were tested for awareness of acute cyanide poisoning being a possible consequence of fire accidents. Results: Only one (3%) of the physicians was aware of the possibility of acute cyanide poisoning due to fire accidents. Conclusions: We report dismal awareness among the primary health care physicians. Medical education curriculum must cater for emerging healthcare issues.