Carbon monoxide detector saves 90-year-old’s life
FIRE SERVICE SAYS ALARMS ARE ESSENTIAL IN HOMES
A 90-YEAR-OLD man’s life was saved thanks to his carbon monoxide detector.
The resident from Burton, who has not been named, was taken to hospital after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning on Wednesday, December 5.
The man heard an alarm sounding in his house in Tutbury Road and, thinking it was his smoke alarm, called the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. He later suspected it could have been a carbon monoxide detector, which was confirmed when firefighters arrived at the scene.
A gas engineer checked the levels of carbon monoxide in the man’s bungalow and confirmed the level was higher than the safe limit for a domestic property. The problem was traced to a badly fitted chimney flue, which was allowing carbon monoxide to leak back into the property.
The man was assessed by paramedics at the scene and was taken to hospital for further monitoring of his condition.
Station manager, John Kitchener, said: “This is a perfect example of why carbon monoxide detector carbon monoxide detectors are important. In this case, the resident did exactly the right thing – he contacted us so we could attend and assess the situation.
“Fortunately we were able to establish there was a high level of carbon monoxide in his home and make sure he was removed from dangerous circumstances.
“Carbon monoxide is odourless, so there are no tell-tale smells to warn people of its presence. People may not even be aware they’re being exposed to it. Sometimes they may just get a headache and feel tired but they won’t necessarily feel really ill. This is why a detector is essential.”
Mr Kitchener added: “The chimney flue was allowing carbon monoxide to leak back into the property so, without a specialist inspection; the resident wouldn’t have known he had a problem. Even though he was taken to hospital, we hope he won’t be there for long and his actions have saved him from a potentially fatal outcome.”
The fire service is appealing to members of the public to make sure they have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and to check them regularly to ensure they are safe in their own homes.