The ongoing wildfires in California have shown that everyone needs to know basic rules for dealing with such disasters. We spoke with family physician Sergey Veretennikov about what to pay attention to during fires, how to protect yourself from the consequences of smoke inhalation, and how to cope with psychological issues.
— Sergey, during a fire, what should be the main focus?
— First of all, pay attention to smoke. Protect yourself with a mask or at least wrap your face with a cloth to avoid inhaling toxic combustion products. Special attention should be given to the elderly and children, especially if they have chronic conditions such as asthma. It is essential to always have medications on hand.
— How can one recognize smoke poisoning?
— Usually, it manifests as coughing, nasal congestion, or watery eyes, which will pass over time. If there is carbon monoxide poisoning, symptoms such as headaches and drowsiness may appear—this is a more serious case that requires medical attention.
— Is fresh air the priority? Should people evacuate immediately?
— Yes, grab your children, elderly relatives, and documents, and get away from the smoke to avoid burns and poisoning.
— Are there any home remedies that can help if someone has inhaled smoke?
— In our culture, chamomile is popular—people inhale it for various issues, and while it may not be guaranteed to help, it certainly won’t hurt. Air purifiers and fresheners can also be used later. There’s a medication called N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which helps cleanse the lungs. For minor burns, aloe vera or honey-based ointment dressings can be helpful, but caution is needed to avoid missing severe injuries. For serious burns, medical assistance is a must. And definitely, don’t use urine as a compress! (laughs)
— How can one cope with stress?
— It’s a long-term process, especially if someone has lost their home. It’s important to monitor health and stay close to family. Physical activity and exercises are helpful—they assist in clearing the lungs and reducing stress. Proper nutrition and sleep also play key roles. If stress symptoms persist for two weeks to a month, seeking a specialist is advisable. Sometimes psychotherapy helps, other times medications are needed. Light sedatives, such as herbal teas, can also be tried. Personally, I use the “One Minute” method: find a quiet place, set a timer, close your eyes, and breathe deeply for one minute. This helps to pause emotional overwhelm in the moment. It’s a technique that works in any life situation.
— What is post-traumatic stress disorder, and how can it be addressed?
— PTSD occurs when a person relives memories of an event, with triggers being ordinary things like the smell of smoke or cooking on a stove. These memories are often accompanied by nightmares. Professional help—psychotherapy—is necessary in such cases.
— If someone has sustained an injury in a rush and only notices pain later, how can they determine if it’s serious?
— Age and the nature of the injury matter. Elderly people have more fragile bones, but if the person can move their arm or leg, it’s likely not a fracture. Bruises and muscle spasms are more common, often appearing after stress or physical exertion (such as moving items or holding a child for a long time). Massage, compresses, and moderate movement can help. Medications like diclofenac and ibuprofen in small doses are usually effective.
— Can stress trigger heart attacks and strokes?
— Theoretically, yes, but it’s not very common in stressful situations. If someone experiences severe chest pain, numbness in an arm, facial asymmetry, or weakness on one side of the body, it’s a reason to seek immediate medical attention.
— If a parent rescues a child, how can they ensure the child is okay?
— Check the color of their lips: if they appear bluish, it indicates breathing problems. Also, observe their breathing— if it looks labored, involving many muscles and rib strain, this is a red flag.
— What vitamins or specific products can help the body recover after a fire?
— If the diet is irregular, multivitamins can be helpful. Magnesium is beneficial during stress—it supports muscles and sleep. Saline solutions for nasal rinsing, humidifiers, and air purifiers are also useful. Berries rich in antioxidants provide excellent support for the body.
