Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has issued a warning on the potential risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning this winter. Unintentional carbon monoxide exposure accounts for an estimated 15,000 emergency department visits and 500 unintentional deaths in the United States each year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that EMS agencies across the country respond to thousands of carbon monoxide poisonings every year in homes, garages, businesses, cars and recreational vehicles. Unfortunately, many of these result in tragic outcomes.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after enough inhalation of the toxic gas. However, being colorless, odorless, tasteless and initially non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines, such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers and power washers, also produce carbon monoxide.
“The real tragedy of incidents like this is in almost all cases the victim has no idea what is occurring. Unlike a trauma or a fire, the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning is left helpless and, in most cases, in their very own home,” said Dr. Charles Miramonti, chief of Indianapolis EMS.
Miramonti said symptoms are often very mild and include lightheadedness, confusion, headaches, vertigo and flu-like effects. Extended exposures can lead to significant harm to the central nervous system and heart and even death.
Medics will treat exposure by administering 100 percent oxygen or providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Oxygen works as an antidote, as it increases the removal of carbon monoxide.
Prevention remains the best cure. It is important to have gas appliances serviced at least once a year. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be placed in homes and businesses to detect exposure. The devices can typically be purchased at the same locations smoke detectors are sold.
Indianapolis EMS was formed in 2010 as a partnership between the City of Indianapolis, IU School of Medicine and Health and Hospital Corp. of Marion County, with Wishard as the supervising hospital. Indianapolis EMS operates as a division of the Department of Public Safety and was formed via unification of Wishard and Indianapolis Fire Department EMS services. The service benefits from medical leadership in quality, education, training and research from the IU School of Medicine.
