With the recent tragedy involving two individuals in Asquith afflicted with carbon monoxide poisoning - one of whom died as a result - fire and emergency personnel across Saskatchewan have stepped up their warnings about the extreme dangers associated with it.
Carbon monoxide is considered a silent killer because it is odourless and colourless and usually not noticed by individuals until it is too late.
North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services have already responded to 14 calls concerning the gas - two of which were incidents where CO was detected. The City of North Battleford is warning that gas-burning fireplaces and water heaters are the most common sources of CO in a home. As well, appliances such as ovens, space heaters, generators and indoor grills could also cause dangerous levels of CO.
In a statement, NBFES Chief Pat MacIsaac warned of the lethal nature of carbon monoxide.
"A common misconception is that carbon monoxide is heavier than air and many people mount detectors in the basement, assuming the gas will pool close to the furnace. It is actually almost the same density as air and it will fill the entire room. CO poisoning mimics the flu and can incapacitate quickly. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible."
NBFES was the first fire service in Saskatchewan to purchase a diagnostic tool (Masimo SET pulse) to help detect CO poisoning. In a statement, Deputy Fire Chief Brian Wilson stated "the device is attached to the finger of a patient and it shines a special light through their finger to measure oxygen and carbon monoxide concentrations in the blood stream. It provides crucial information to advanced medical personnel."
NBFES says that according to CO alarm manufacturer, Kidde, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in North America. In Canada, there are approximately 1,000 reported carbon monoxide poisonings and 250 deaths per year.
Many people already have CO detectors, but they have a lifespan of between five and seven years and. NBFES is urging residents to stay on the safe side by checking manufacturer recommendations and replacing outdated or broken detectors.
NBFES provides these tips to protect you and your family from CO poisoning:
Prevent CO buildup to begin with by ensuring heating appliances are in good working order and used only in well-ventilated areas.
When warming up a vehicle, don't run it in a garage. Move it outside first.
Install a CO alarm outside every sleeping area on every level of your home, and at least 15 feet away from every fuel-burning appliance.
When checking your smoke alarm every month, test CO alarms at the same time.
Never use a stove as heating.
Have all your gas, oil or coal burning appliances inspected by a technician each year to make sure they work correctly and are properly ventilated.
If a CO leak is suspected, open windows to allow fresh air into the home. If anyone has been in a poorly ventilated room with a fuel-burning appliance and exhibits symptoms (such as headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion etc.), then move the victim to fresh air and call 911.
If more than one person in the home suddenly feels ill for no apparent reason, or if a CO alarm goes off, move everyone outside immediately and call 911 from a pre-arranged meeting place.
