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LEBANON, ME - The Lebanon Rescue Department and Lebanon Fire Department responded to a single family residence in North Lebanon for a carbon monoxide alarm going off on Friday morning, December 4, 2009. The call was received at 3:51 a.m.

Lebanon Rescue Assistant Chief Jason Cole was the first on scene at 3:56 and located all seven occupants of the residence outside in a vehicle waiting for emergency crews. The father advised that they occupants were showing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, respiratory distress, sore throats, minor headaches and upset stomachs.

“Fortunately the family woke up because of their carbon monoxide detector and quickly evacuated. When the fire crews arrived, they had readings in parts of the house of 91ppm, which is a lot higher than it should be. The average reading in the house was 55ppm and then one area near the propane cooking stove of 91ppm. This is a great example of why carbon monoxide detectors are critical in every house. The family was sound asleep and the alarm was the only thing that woke them up.” Assistant Chief Jason Cole added.

Additional ambulances from Acton and Shapleigh responded to assist at the scene due to having seven patients.

“Due to the complaints of illnesses and the high readings in part of the building, all seven occupants were transported to H.D. Goodall Hospital in Sanford. Four patients were taken by Lebanon Ambulance and three taken by Shapleigh Rescue. Acton Rescue remained in service in case any additional calls came in while the ambulances were committed.” Assistant Chief Jason Cole added.

Lebanon Rescue has responded to 7 carbon monoxide alarms and emergencies in 2009. On February 13th of this year, a 48 year old North Lebanon man was transported to the hospital after a serious carbon monoxide exposure while working in his garage. The readings in the garage were nearly 500 and the male was unresponsive.

“These alarms truly save lives. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and a toxic gas, you can be exposed to it and never realize it until it’s too late. Often times the symptoms are similar to flu like symptoms. If you have any question about an exposure, you should go outside and have the fire department and rescue respond and just confirm everything is ok.” Assistant Chief Cole added.

Transported to the hospital were 41 year old father, 37 year old mother and their 5 children, 3 year old daughter, 7 year old son, 9 year old daughter, 12 year old daughter and 14 year old daughter. Due to medical confidentiality laws, the exact house address and patient names cannot be released by the rescue department.

Emergency crews are still at the scene as of 7:15am working with the propane company.

The Lebanon Rescue Department has safety information and brochures available for residents to read. If interested, please contact Chief Samantha Cole at (207) 608-5615 or chiefcole@lebanonrescue.com. More information is also available at the departments website, www.lebanonrescue.com

Due to increased calls for Carbon Monoxide Related Emergencies because of the winter heating season, the following Information provided by the United States Fire Protection Agency with permission:

As of the most recent statistics (2006), Each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims more than 500 lives and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

What Actions Do I Take if My Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off?

What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.

If no one is feeling ill:
1. Silence the alarm.
2. Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace).
3. Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.
4. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.

If illness is a factor:
1. Evacuate all occupants immediately.
2. Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.
3. Call your local emergency number (911) and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.
4. Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
5. Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.

Protect Yourself and Your Family from CO Poisoning
• Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Make sure the alarm has been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.

• Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

• Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.

• Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.

• When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.