On Nov. 26, at approximately 5pm, Wellington County OPP officers responded to a medical assistance call at a home under construction in the Town of Erin.
An 18-year-old male was working on the home and went to the basement to refuel a generator that was running. After a short period of time, co-workers went to check on him and found the male in need of medical assistance because of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Guelph-Wellington Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attended the scene and transported the male to a local hospital, where he was kept for observation.
The Town of Erin Fire and Emergency Services also responded to the incident.
“It is recommended that all homes with appliances that produce carbon monoxide such as wood stoves, gas fireplaces, furnaces, hot water heaters have a carbon monoxide detector on every level, and do not leave a motor vehicle running in a garage,” said Fire Chief Dan Callaghan.
The Ministry of Labour attended the scene to investigate.
Follow these safety tips to protect against CO poisoning:
– never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawl spaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off; and
– install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home.
Carbon Monoxide is the “silent killer.” Don’t take chances. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. Don’t delay. Seek medical help.
