The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Family of 6 rescued from carbon monoxide
The Oriskany Falls Fire Department responded to the home after the family woke up sick and disoriented.
AUGUSTA, N.Y. » 6 people were rescued by members of the Oriskany Falls Fire Department after being exposed to high concentration levels of carbon monoxide.
According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, the incident occurred at 2105 Sharmin Road in the Town of Augusta on Jan. 7, 2017 at about 4:30 a.m. when occupants of the home woke up feeling sick, had headaches and were vomiting.
An occupant was able to call 911 and attempted to get the other members of the family out, but was unable to as that member was overcome with the dangerous gas as well.
The six overcome family members remained on the second floor of the home as they were unable to escape when Oriskany Falls FD arrived on scene.
Members of the fire department entered the home and rescued the 6 victims and brought them to safety outside. The victims were treated at the scene by members of the fire department and Central Oneida County Ambulance.
The occupants, who ranged from 6months old to 58 years old, were transported to two local hospitals for further treatment. They are expected to be OK.
The fire department’s investigation revealed that a malfunctioning coal heating stove was the source of the Carbon Monoxide leak.
The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone that Carbon Monoxide is a deadly, colorless and odorless gas that is often excreted by household heaters and
stoves. It is essential to keep such stoves, hot water heaters, furnaces and alike serviced and clean.
If anyone is experiencing headaches, upset stomachs or nausea and suspects that carbon monoxide is making them sick, they are to leave the area immediately and get fresh air. They are also urged to call the fire department and EMS to be treated and to help find the source of the leak. It is also required to have at least one working Carbon Monoxide detector per floor of a home, and recommended to have additional detectors near living spaces such as bedrooms.