By Adriana M. Chavez
El Paso Times
EL PASO, Texas — Paramedics and Haz Mat units from the El Paso Fire Department responded to two carbon monoxide poisoning calls Tuesday morning.
The first call was received at about 6:55 a.m. in the 800 block of Mallett in the Lower Valley. At 7:23 a.m., firefighters and paramedics responded to a second call from a housing complex in the 1200 block of E. San Antonio in Downtown El Paso. No major injuries were reported. The residents at both locations were taken to local hospitals for evaluation.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are flulike and can include fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Experts offer the following tips to prevent poisoning:
-Have a qualified technician inspect fuel-burning appliances at least once a year.
-Install a UL-listed carbon-monoxide detector outside sleeping areas. Avoid placing detectors on top of or directly across from fuel-burning appliances.
-Know how to respond to a detector alarm. Immediately open windows and doors for ventilation. If anyone has poisoning symptoms, evacuate and immediately call 911.
-Do not ignore the alarm.
-Help less-fortunate El Pasoans by donating new blankets, which may be dropped off at any city fire station or El Paso Sheriff’s Office substation.