Final answer:
Victims of smoke inhalation injury should be treated empirically for carbon monoxide poisoning by removing them from the source of exposure and administering oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Victims of smoke inhalation injury should be treated empirically for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Initial treatment should involve removing the person from the source of exposure and administering oxygen via non-rebreather mask to shorten the half-life of carbon monoxide in the blood. Oxygen helps to dissociate carbon monoxide from carboxyhemoglobin and restore normal hemoglobin levels.
Pregnant women may require longer periods of oxygen treatment due to the potential severe effects on the baby.