Editor’s note: This article contains information from an article published by the Canadian Press
A former Estevan resident is receiving praise for his actions that likely saved lives at an apartment building in Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority said in a Facebook post that Dr. Mark Wahba, who now works as an emergency room physician at the Royal University Hospital, had a feeling something was wrong when he assessed a patient Thursday night.
His concerns led to firefighters responding to an apartment building, where 50 people were evacuated and 29 were sent to hospital due to a carbon monoxide leak.
"Paramedics would like to personally thank Dr. Wahba for his quick response that could have turned out much worse," said Troy Davies of Medavie Health Service West.
There were no fatalities.
In an article from the Canadian Press, it was noted that dozens of people who received medical attention are no longer in hospital.
Crews arrived at the apartment complex about 6 p.m. Thursday and helped evacuate the people, including children.
"What occurred was very commendable of the (emergency) doctor's recognition of what this could possibly be," Hackl said Friday.
Crews detected more than 400 parts per million of carbon monoxide in the building's boiler room, he said, adding people exposed to levels that high can die within two to three hours of exposure.
High levels of the gas were also found in other parts of the building.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority said a mass casualty alert was issued and additional staff members, including doctors, were brought in. Patients ended up in emergency departments at two different hospitals and were treated for potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
The health authority added that the Salvation Army is providing residents of the apartment building with emergency shelter.
The fire department said a gas inspector found a venting problem in the boiler room and the building was likely to remain closed Friday. It also said the property didn't have sensors to detect carbon monoxide.
With files from The Canadian Press. This article was first published Jan. 15, 2021.
