CO Poisoning
Two Salina (KS) Fire Department members were hospitalized and numerous other people were treated at
the hospital last night after being overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning in a townhouse. A civilian is also
reported dead from this run.
The civilian victim was reported to be unconscious and not breathing when SFD firefighters were called to
his home around 1900 hours Wednesday.
A woman who had been trying unsuccessfully to reach the man called the SFD when she went to his home
and discovered him unconscious. She was sickened by carbon monoxide when she entered the townhouse,
but was able to get out and call for help.
However, an SFD paramedic and firefighter who went into the house upon arrival were quickly overcome,
and they collapsed. The Captain and FF/driver who were on the apparatus with them had to go in and pull
them out.
Additional help was requested, and before the night was over, a total of seven Salina Fire Department
members ended up being treated at the hospital for elevated carbon monoxide levels. A Salina police officer
also was treated, he said, as was the woman who called 911.
The hospital reported that one person had died-would not identify but it was likely the initial victim.
The SFD paramedic and firefighter who were the first to enter the townhouse were admitted to the hospital
for treatment. The source of the carbon monoxide was a car that had been left running in an attached
garage. The car had run out of gas, and the battery also was run down, but SFD Fire Marshal Williams said
the engine was still warm.
Take Care-Be Careful,
BillyG
The Secret List 2-4-10 / 0747 hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com