A young man was hospitalized in Trail early Saturday after suffering a prolonged seizure linked to nitrous oxide use.
Trail and Greater District RCMP say officers and emergency health services were called to a residence in the 1900 block of Second Avenue at around 2 a.m. on Nov. 15, where the man was in medical distress.
Police report the man had allegedly been inhaling nitrous oxide gas before the seizure began.
The episode reportedly continued for upward of 45 minutes before emergency responders were contacted and arrived on scene.
Paramedics stabilized the man and transported him to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Recreational use of nitrous oxide, often involving inhaling high concentrations of the gas without sufficient oxygen, carries a significantly higher risk of serious side effects.
These can include hypoxia (low oxygen in the body), asphyxiation (severely reduced oxygen from restricted breathing), loss of consciousness, frostbite injuries from the cold gas, impaired coordination, psychotic symptoms, rapid heart rate or changes in blood pressure, and seizures.
“Nitrous gas is also known as ‘laughing gas’ and can provide a temporary euphoric feeling for those who inhale it,” says Sgt. Mike Wicentowich of the Trail RCMP.
“It can be used safely in a medical setting; however, recreational abuse can have serious consequences, as it did in this case.”
Public-health agencies, including Health Canada and various provincial harm-reduction services, note that nitrous oxide is a colourless gas used legitimately in medical and dental procedures, and in the food industry as a propellant in whipped-cream dispensers.
Recreational misuse often involves small, silver metal cartridges known as “whippets” or “chargers,” which are intended for whipped-cream canisters but can be purchased online or at some retail outlets.
These cartridges are typically about the size of a finger.
Misuse often leaves behind clusters of discarded silver canisters in public areas, a pattern documented by municipal bylaw and public-health departments across the country.
Safety agencies warn that inhaling directly from a cartridge or canister is especially dangerous because the gas is extremely cold and can cause frostbite to the mouth, throat and lungs.
Health-risk information compiled by these agencies also warns that recreational use can deprive the brain of oxygen, and cause sudden loss of consciousness or falls.
Repeated use can lead to nerve damage or medical emergencies such as seizures, risks highlighted by the case in Trail.