Norwalk Hospital offers Advice to Avoid Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
Norwalk, CT, January 2, 2014 - During the winter months, it is
important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family from
carbon monoxide poisoning and it is also essential that immediate
action be taken if you suspect that you or a loved one may have been
exposed to this deadly gas, according to Dr. Sandra Wainwright,
medical director of the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at
Norwalk Hospital.
In addition to installing carbon monoxide detectors in the home,
she offers the following advice:
1. Do not operate gas or propane-powered generators or other gaspowered equipment in enclosed spaces. Even with the garage
door or windows open, ventilation of carbon monoxide is not
adequate.
2. Do not use charcoal grills or barbecue grills indoors or in
garages.
3. Make sure your CO detectors are installed and working properly.
Every home should have a CO detector installed in all sleeping
areas/bedrooms. Change the batteries in the CO detector every
six months, just like you do with your smoke detector.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:
1. “Flu-like” symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting.
2. Dizziness, confusion, chest pain, or loss of consciousness (in
severe cases).
If you believe that you or someone you know is suffering from
carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately move the affected person(s)
to a fresh air environment. Call 911 and seek medical attention
immediately. Do NOT ignore carbon monoxide detectors that alarm,
especially during or after a storm.
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