CARBON MONOXIDE SICKENS THREE
Posted: January 24th, 2011 5:25 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-01/3068/41472/Mallories3.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-01/3068/41472/Mallories2.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-01/3068/41472/Mallories1.JPG
PRESS RELEASE
Today at approximately 11:30 a.m., the Silverton Fire District and Woodburn Ambulance responded to a report of an unconscious person at Mallorie's Dairy located at 11039 Hazelgreen Rd. NE just outside of Silverton. On arrival, there were a total of three patients, all male, exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Two patients were sitting upright and talking while the other was completely unconscious. All of the patients collapsed just as they made it outside of the building where the carbon monoxide had built up to dangerous levels. The men who became sick had been using a gasoline powered pressure washer while inside of a large closed cooler.
While on scene, Silverton Firefighters and Woodburn Ambulance personnel provided patient care. Woodburn Ambulance transported two patients to Silverton Hospital and one patient was taken to Salem Hospital. Of the two patients transported to Silverton Hospital, one is in his 20s while the other is in his 60s. The patient transported to Salem Hospital is in 50s. All of the patients were in very serious condition.
Using full self contained breathing apparatus, Silverton Firefighters entered the storage cooler were all of the men became ill. Carbon monoxide levels of 232 parts per million were recorded on the gas monitors that the firefighters carried with them. The carbon monoxide levels could have been higher because the measurements were taken after the cooler had been left open while the patients were being cared for. High levels of carbon monoxide were also found in the upstairs area just adjacent to the cooler. Exposures of 100 parts per million or greater can be dangerous to human health.
Firefighters used large portable fans to ventilate the building of the lethal gas and levels of carbon monoxide were at zero shortly after this process began.
Because carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless, the Silverton Fire District encourages the public to use liquid and/or solid fueled tools and appliances in areas that are very well ventilated with fresh air. All homes should have carbon monoxide detectors in the sleeping areas and any family common areas.
See attached photos.
For more information on this incident, please contact:
Captain Ed Grambusch – Public Relations Officer
Silverton Fire District
(c) 503-576-0506
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