1. Clear the Air
Chloroform was originally a form of anesthesia and was used in a lot of over-the-counter medicines like cough syrup. It's been banned from consumer products for many years, and most doctors now use more reliable anesthetics. People are now mostly familiar with it from television and the movies, when kidnappers use rags soaked in chloroform to knock their victims out. Poisoning comes from breathing the fumes, which can result in dizziness, confusion, headaches and unconsciousness. The first step to treating chloroform poisoning is to clear the vapors from the air. Move the victim to a well-ventilated area, preferably outside and as far away from the chloroform fumes as possible. Turn on a fan or open a window in the area where the chloroform was used. Hold your breath or wear a gas mask when you do so; the fumes can be very potent even after several hours.
2. Monitor the Victim's Breathing and Heart Rate
Chloroform poisoning can result in cardiac arrest and failure to breathe. Make sure the victim's nose and throat are clear and that breathing is steady and regular. Take the victim's pulse as often as possible and make sure that the heart rate is steady as well. Administer CPR if he has problems breathing. In severe cases, you may need to use a defibrillator to restart the victim's heart; usually only a doctor or paramedic should do so. If breathing or heart rate becomes erratic, go to a hospital immediately. They have respirators and other equipment to keep the victim's vital signs stable.
3. Wash Clothes
Chloroform fumes can still cause unconsciousness when left on clothes or towels used to wipe it up. Tell others to stay clear of the offending clothing and wash them thoroughly. Wear a gas mask or cover your nose and mouth when you do so you don't succumb to the vapors too.
4. Clean Up Spills
Chloroform spills need to be cleaned up with care. Always wear gloves and a breathing apparatus when you do so, and keep others away from the area. Ideally, you can use a chemical dispersing agent to break up the chloroform and render it safe. If you don't have one, then shovel sand onto the spill and let it soak up the chloroform. Then move the sand to an open area with a breeze and allow it to disperse. Wash the spot with soap and water to dilute any remaining chloroform.
