This week’s report places emphasis on the importance of always considering carbon monoxide (CO) as a threat, especially during the fall when heating systems are once again placed into service. Odorless, colorless and invisible, CO has earned a highly renowned reputation for being the, “invisible threat.”
“Our department was sent to a residence about two months ago for a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm sounding…Upon arrival, the CO alarm was sounding. The home was checked with our CO detector and high levels were found in the first floor bedrooms. All members were packed out and two-in/ two-out was followed. The home was vented using an electric PPV fan. Crews were sent post ventilation and checked the house again, with the detector showing acceptable levels in the residence. The residence was again checked prior to leaving showing acceptable levels. The gas company was called and no source was identified.”
“We responded to the same residence on a dispatch of an alarm sounding. Two of our department captains were out running errands and responded non-emergency to the address. Upon arrival, the homeowner’s CO alarm was sounding. The captains…entered the residence without SCBAs or any PPE. The department’s detector again was reading high CO levels of…”
When you receive a second call from the same address for a similar problem it could be an alarm malfunction, or it could be a resurfacing problem that was partially corrected by the fire department. During CO calls don’t discount things like, closed dampers on fireplaces and wood stoves where the fire has been reportedly “out” for several hours. There can also be sufficient incomplete combustion from the coals which can produce high levels of CO. Residential carbon monoxide detectors are much more common in today’s households, while handheld gas detectors and SCBAs are the firefighter’s best friend in situations involving CO. Once you have read the entire account (CLICK HERE), consider the following:
1. What are the early signs and symptoms of CO poisoning?
2. Does your department have an updated SOP regarding CO incidents?
3. What is the best course of action when faced with a structure that contains a level of CO that is above recommended tolerances?
4. Has your department considered personal CO monitors for all personnel?
5. If CO poisoning is suspected, should you confirm this before beginning treatment?
Have you experienced a near miss involving carbon monoxide or another invisible gas? Submit your account to www.firefighternearmiss.com today to keep others safe tomorrow.
Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting firefighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.
