Two adults were assessed by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and one was transported to hospital following an incident on Oct. 31 where the Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) responded to a call of a person in medical distress at 7:22 a.m., stated an updated press release.
AFD arrived to a two story townhouse complex consisting of four individual residences in the Coopers Crossing neighbourhood. Firefighters entered one of the mid units and found an unconscious patient on the living room floor with another person at their side, stated the release. Carbon monoxide was quickly determined to be involved and both patients were removed safely outside to fresh air.
Once outside patient care was transferred to AHS Paramedics on scene.
The cause of carbon monoxide was determined to be a vehicle left idling inside the attached garage.
AFD reported that air monitoring confirmed elevated readings of carbon monoxide (CO) on all levels of the home and in the attached garage.
Readings ranged for 220 -1960 ppm, while exposure to 12,800 ppm may cause death within 1-3 minutes, according to AFD.
As a precaution, the three other units in the complex had air quality monitored and were deemed safe, said the release.
AFD shared important fire safety reminders, including:
- Properly equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors on every level and outside sleeping areas.* The only safe way to detect CO in your home is with a CO alarm
- Annually have your heating system, vents, chimney, and flue inspected by a qualified technician
- Install and operate appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Never use a gas range or stove to heat your home
- Remove vehicles from the garage immediately after starting it
- nitiate your Family Escape Plan whenever smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors have activated
- Family members and their pets should muster at their pre-determined meeting place
- Call 9-1-1 for assistance from a safe phone location
- Never go back into to a residence once you have safely made your way outside
The initial report stated that AFD responded to a call where they found a woman unconscious in her home due to carbon monoxide poisoning on Tuesday.
When crews arrived they found dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) which had overcome both the occupant and her dog.
Airdrie Fire Chief Mike Pirie stated online that no CO alarm was active.
"Please as you change your smoke alarm batteries or check your hardwired alarms consider the importance of having a working CO alarm in your home. Vehicles in the garage, furnaces, chimney's, hot water tanks, and gas stoves /dryers are all sources of CO that can effect our homes or businesses," he wrote online.
