STATEWIDE POISON
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Statewide: 1-800-222-1222
Administration:
(304) 347-1212
Fax (304) 347-3908
Website: wvpoisoncenter.org
Education Outreach: (304) 347-1379
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia University, Charleston Division, 3110 MacCorkle Ave. S.E., Charleston, WV 25304
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Advisory West Virginia Poison Center February 13, 2014 Power outages (which result in the use of alternative heat sources and/or the use of generators) and cold weather are two of the most common risk factors for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. In many areas of West Virginia, one or both of these risk factors are currently present. The West Virginia Poison Center would like to remind all First Responders and Health Care Providers to be on the look‐out for cases of CO poisoning. Symptoms to Be Aware Of: Symptoms of CO poisoning may mimic those of the flu and other common medical conditions. Consider ruling out CO poisoning in patients presenting with headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or changes in level of consciousness. If all members of a household or worksite became ill at the same time and/or if pets in the area are ill as well, CO poisoning should be ruled out. Rule Out the Possibility of Other CO Poisoning Victims: If one person in a family or worksite is diagnosed with CO poisoning, all other individuals in that home or worksite need to be evaluated to rule out additional cases of CO poisoning. Of note: If a case of CO poisoning is identified in a home or office that is attached to or part of another building with occupants, all other homes/offices in that building should be evacuated until the extent of high CO levels in the building has been assessed and the source of the CO poisoning is identified and remediated. All individuals in the building need to be evaluated for CO poisoning promptly. Determining if CO Poisoning is Present: Toxicity is based on a combination of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) serum levels AND clinical symptoms. COHb serum levels greater than 25% are generally considered toxic. Frequently, however, COHb levels do NOT correlate well with clinical severity. High risk groups include infants, pregnant women, the elderly and persons with a history of myocardial insufficiency or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CO exposure during pregnancy can be teratogenic
Certified as a Regional Poison Control Center by the American Association of Poison Control Centers