Make sure to check the gas-powered equipment on CO calls.

Make sure to check the gas-powered equipment on CO calls.

This time of year we get large number of CO calls.  We arrive and take a look at the home detector and start reading our own meter.

If we get readings we start to investigate the location of the source.

Normally this includes stoves, ovens, fire places, furnaces and water heaters.

But, what about when you don’t get any readings or they are very low?

Do you go ahead and check the equipment anyway?  If not, you might want to start.



By checking the possible sources you might be able to find a potential problem before it becomes one.  As we know from recent events in Kansas, these events can be very dangerous to the occupants and the emergency personnel.

Take some extra time to look for things that are possible threats.  As you can see in this picture, it might not be causing CO yet, but it is certainly a risk.

Stay safe and be careful.


http://firefightersenemy.com


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There is an excellent reference sourse for guidelines for CO responses. 'Responding To Routine Emergencies' has by far the most comprehensive information on such investigations that I have found. An entire section of the book is dedicated for CO incidents.

Sources outside of the structure may also be the culprit, such has wind-driven exhaust from a neighboring residence, for example. Even some teflon-coated cookware can produce CO when initially heated, although it doesn't last long at all. The color and quality of pilot flames, and especially ventless fireplaces and heaters. Gas fireplaces require periodic cleaning, vacuuming around thedischarge holes. Pet hair, dust can plug it up and cause problems. High winds can blow CO exhaust back inside any number of places. Stacks can blown off, or dislodged...birds nests...etc.

The call takers, 9-1-1 should instruct occupants to leave. Opening windows and doors will only hamper the investigation. Use of a good meter, along with a simple digital display and a gas trac can help. All EMS units should be equipped with the simple digital readout meters for initial response, and used during the cold, especially in the homes of elderly.

A good interview with occupants can help you replicate past conditions. Was the shower in use? The clothes dryer? Although many departments simply turn these calls over to utility companies, responding and not perfroming an investigation is nothing more than a chance to ride the trucks to another call.

CO IS deadly.

Good thread.
Checking the equipment helps to see if it is an issue and we routinely do this. We will turn the thermostat up for both furnance and water heater to check readings, stove and oven if gas, clothes dryer, if gas etc. We will ventilate and then check the sources again to see if the levels go up again or not.
However, it is important to note that even properly operating equipment and appliances can create high CO levels.

In a couple incidents it came down to prolonged cooking, typically stove top operations for over an hour or so, especially when it is colder outside. In all these cases the highest levels of CO were NOT in the kitchen, but accumulated in the bedrooms, setting off a CO detector. (opening a kitchen window will help with ventilation during such cooking) Other common causes are those who warm a car up in the garage, thinking the open garage door is all the ventilation needed.
Nice replies fellas, and great insight into how others are doing it. Thanks,.
We respond in an area of high snowfall and high winds which cause drifting ,so it is routine for us to check the exterior exhaust vents to make sure the snow hasn't plugged them.
I've got to add a almost 'Darwin Award' case from this week. Family, probably dad, was using a turkey fryer in the garage. 6 family members transported to area hospitals and all are expected to recover.
There was another discussion that focused on Salina, Kansas firefighters dealing with a CO issue. It's worth also reviewing regarding carbon monoxide dangers.

CBz

http://www.firefighternation.com/forum/topics/overcome-by-co?id=889...

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