Delaware County EMS Gets Critical Antidote to Combat Potential Smoke Inhalation Side Effects in House Fires - AMR County Parnership Deploys Kit to Prevent Cyanide Poisoning

DELHI — Delaware County residents now have access to a life-saving antidote previously unavailable in the region. American Medical Response (AMR), in partnership with the Delaware County Office of Emergency Services, has placed (CYANOKIT®) in AMR’s rapid response emergency medical service (EMS) vehicle. The medication is the only FDA-approved treatment for cyanide poisoning and is now available on 911 calls across the county. 

“Adding CYANOKIT to our response system means Delaware County residents have a treatment option that can save lives in very specific situations,” said William Beevers, operation manager for AMR in Oneonta. “This is a major step forward for fire and EMS response in our rural communities.” 

A Rare but Deadly Threat 

When modern household materials such as plastics burn, they can release cyanide gas. Victims of house fires are often thought to suffer only from carbon monoxide poisoning, but cyanide can be just as dangerous — and in severe cases, quickly fatal if untreated. 

Unlike urban cities with nearby trauma hospitals, Delaware County is remote and rural. The closest Level I trauma or burn centers are up to two hours away by ground. In that setting, early antidote access can mean the difference between survival and loss of life. 

What the Antidote Does 

Cyanide prevents the blood from carrying oxygen, suffocating the body from within. CYANOKIT, which contains hydroxocobalamin, binds cyanide molecules and restores the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. In many cases, it can reverse poisoning within minutes. 

Although rarely used, officials describe them as an insurance policy: seldom needed, but vital when called upon. 

“Our clinicians train for the worst-case scenarios because we know they happen,” said Beevers “With CYANOKIT on board, we can start treatment immediately if a victim of a fire is exposed to cyanide — and that can save a life before we ever reach a hospital.” 

A partnership that raises the bar 

The rollout is the latest example of a public-private partnership that has delivered high quality of care, expanded advanced life support and broader EMS coverage across Delaware County. 

“We are a rural county with long transport times, and that makes preparation all the more important,” said Stephen Hood, director of the Office of Emergency Services. “Partnering with AMR on this initiative means our community has access to advanced care that many larger areas still don’t have.”