What you don’t know can kill you.

They are called the two toxic gases – carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Historically, CO has been considered the primary cause of death for those overcome by smoke in a fire. But there is mounting evidence that HCN is directly responsible for many more deaths than was previously assumed. And, the cumulative effect of CO and HCN combined is worse than either gas individually.


Still, many firefighters are unaware of the danger of these toxic gases. They don’t recognize the symptoms of HCN poisoning that can have acute and chronic effects. And, they fail to protect themselves adequately from this mounting threat.


On June 8, 2010, Dräger sponsored an educational webinar called “Unmasking The Threat of HCN and CO Poisoning – A Firefighter’s Perspective.” It has been viewed by literally thousands of firefighters in 26 countries worldwide.


We invite firefighters at all levels to view this webinar program that can literally save your life.

What you’ll learn:

  • The anatomy of fire smoke. The widespread use of synthetic materials means that fires can burn 2 – 3 times hotter and faster, increasing the speed of HCN release.

  • The health effects of HCN and CO exposure. How to recognize the symptoms, decontaminate properly and treat for exposure to this dangerous duo.
  • Case studies. A look at a series of recent fires, including Anthony Toro’s first-hand account of toxic gas exposure at a Providence, RI restaurant fire.
  • How to protect against HCN/CO poisoning. Advances in monitoring and detection technology and the proper use of SCBA’s.
  • Question and answer session from your firefighter colleagues.

Leading the program:

Captain Rick Rochford is a 26-year veteran of the Jacksonville, FL Fire Department. He wants to put an end to line of duty deaths and illnesses related to HCN and CO by raising awareness of the threat they pose. For the past three years, he has been conducting documented research on the toxic properties of these gases in structure fires. He has written several articles on the subject and shares his findings in seminars to fire departments throughout the country. Rochford is a Field Safety Incident Officer in the Second Battalion and a member in good standing with IAFF Local 122.


Firefighter Anthony Toro is an EMS Rescue Lieutenant with the Providence, RI Fire Department since 1987. Toro was a victim of exposure to HCN/CO poisoning at a Rhode Island restaurant fire. He will take you to the front lines with his personal story and tell you what he learned from his ordeal. Toro is a member of the Executive Board and a Health and Safety Advocate for Local 799.

Protect yourself from toxic gas!

  • A Firefighter`s Perspective

    Click on the video to learn more about the risks of HCN and CO exposure.

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