Evansville Fire says carbon monoxide detector saved lives during call

The Evansville Fire Department is reminding residents of the importance of working carbon monoxide detectors following a serious carbon monoxide incident in the 700 block of S. Norman Avenue just before midnight on August 31. Medic 16 was dispatched for two men who were reported to be sick, vomiting and unable to get up. While crews were responding, Central Dispatch advised that the condition of the patients had worsened and one was reported to be unresponsive. Engine 15 was then added to the response.

As firefighters and paramedics entered the home, the carbon monoxide detector clipped to the strap of Medic 16’s heart monitor immediately began to alarm. Crews located three men inside the residence, two were unresponsive and one who was semi-responsive. Engine 15 used a gas meter to check the atmosphere and recorded carbon monoxide levels of more than 700 parts per million (ppm) at the front door. For comparison, carbon monoxide levels below 9 ppm are generally considered normal in a home. A reading of more than 700 ppm indicates an extremely dangerous concentration that can cause severe illness, loss of consciousness and death. Additional fire and EMS crews were requested to the scene. Three people were removed from the residence and provided emergency medical care before being transported to the hospital. A total of four people were evaluated for carbon monoxide exposure. All four survived.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death. It can be produced by furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, generators, vehicles and other equipment that burns fuel. Because carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled, a working CO detector may be the first warning that dangerous levels are present inside a home.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and chest pain. Higher levels of exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and death.

Following this incident, EFD encourages residents to check their homes and make sure they have working carbon monoxide detectors.

Residents should:

• Make sure CO detectors are installed in the home and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper placement.

• Test each detector using the test button to make sure the alarm is working.

• Check the manufacture or replacement date on the detector. CO detectors have a limited service life and should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Replace batteries as recommended if the detector uses replaceable batteries.

• Never remove batteries or disable a detector because it is sounding.

• Review the instructions for your detector so you know the difference between an alarm, a low-battery warning and an end-of-life warning.

• Never operate generators, grills or other fuel-burning equipment inside a home, garage or enclosed area.

If a carbon monoxide detector sounds, everyone should leave the home immediately, move to fresh air and call 911 from a safe location. Do not attempt to locate the source of the carbon monoxide yourself and do not re-enter the home until emergency personnel determine it is safe. Residents should also be aware of situations where several people in the same home begin experiencing similar symptoms at the same time, particularly headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness or confusion. If carbon monoxide exposure is suspected, leave the residence and call 911.

In this incident, the carbon monoxide detection equipment carried by EFD alerted crews immediately upon entering the residence and allowed them to quickly identify the hazard while beginning patient care.

EFD strongly encourages residents to take a few minutes to check their carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are working properly. That early warning can save lives.”