A case of multiple trauma and lighter gas inhalation

Abstract

The rate of volatile substance abuse is increasing among young people around the world. A 10-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room by the 112-emergency ambulance service due to fall from the roof of a four-storey building. His general medical condition was moderate-poor; his GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) was nine, blood pressure: 118/90 mmHg, heart rate: 98/min, O2 saturation was: 100%. Skin abrasions were present on his jaw and the occipital region of the scalp. The patient was accepted as a multiple trauma patient. When the patient's confusion did not resolve, the patient's father informed us that the child may have inhaled lighter gas. The patient was hospitalized at the pediatric ward and was discharged on the 14th day of admission as his symptoms completely improved. Clinicians should be alert with regard to acute and/or chronic end-organ damages in the cases of gas inhalation without any antidote.