After an incident in the county involving a generator, the Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service has put out a warning to raise awareness of the silent killer.
A crew was called to a stables in Trysull to reports of a possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Two adults and three children were showing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. One 7 year old patient was receiving treatment from the ambulance service, the patient was unconscious but responded well to treatment. The family had been in a room with a generator whilst looking after the welfare of their horses.
A poisonous gas that has no smell or taste, breathing carbon monoxide in can make you unwell, and it can kill if you’re exposed to high levels. There are around 60 deaths from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales every year.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are not always obvious, particularly during low-level exposure. A tension-type headache is the most common symptom of mild carbon monoxide poisoning. Other symptoms include:
- dizziness
- feeling and being sick
- tiredness and confusion
- stomach pain
- shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
The symptoms of exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can be similar to those of food poisoning and flu, but unlike flu carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature. The symptoms can gradually get worse with prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, leading to a delay in diagnosis.
If you need any further information or advice, call and have a chat with your Community Safety Officers. The service is completely confidential. Call 01785 898719 or email sdgpreventteam@staffordshirefire.gov.uk. In the event of an emergency get out, stay out and dial 999.
For more information on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, head to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/
