San Gabriel Valley Tribune
PASADENA, Calif. — Responding to the 200 block of McDonald St. around 12:30 p.m. Monday, Pasadena Fire units discovered high levels of carbon monoxide in a home where a woman was complaining of a severe headache.
Crew from engine and rescue ambulance 36 also observed an elderly female complaining of headache and lethargy in her bedroom, along with a young child on the couch who showed similar symptoms. An additional ambulance was requested to assist with the third patient.
“Fortunately the fire crew did not assume all three patients were just suffering flu-like symptoms (headaches, nausea, confusion, etc.) and recognized they exhibited signs of carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Pasadena Fire spokesperson Lisa Derderian, who said the crew immediately shut off the gas and ventilated the residence after detecting a high quantity of carbon monoxide in the confined area.
All three patients were transported to Huntington Hospital. The gas company stated that it had recently tagged the heater as dangerous and not to be used. The family reportedly had contacted a licensed heater service company that repaired the wall unit and placed it back into service two days before.
According to Fire officials, carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because victims may be asleep and never wake up.
It’s colorless, odorless, tasteless and more prevalent in winter months when wall heaters, fireplaces, gas appliances are used for the first time or motor vehicles are warmed up longer without proper ventilation.
The fire department highly recommends purchasing both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which retail between $20 and $60.
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