Noxious gas exposure in the outback: two cases of hydrogen sulfide toxicity

Two cases of toxicity from industrial exposure to hydrogen sulfide are presented. Both patients had neurological effects with loss of consciousness and amnesia along with respiratory symptoms and signs. Both were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to standard resuscitative techniques with rapid improvement. Sodium nitrite and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are suggested specific treatments. The literature and the two case reports support the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of acute hydrogen sulfide toxicity. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been reported to have a role in the prevention of both short- and long-term neurological toxicity.