2 hospitalized by ‘dangerously high’ carbon monoxide levels near Alexandria

Two people are being treated at a hospital after suffering symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning at their home in Garfield, located seven miles northwest of Alexandria.

Dispatchers took a 911 call from a 47-year-old woman reporting symptoms of a heart attack just before 10:30 p.m. Sunday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says.

However, when the woman reported that her husband started experiencing a seizure, authorities say the dispatchers recognized the signs of possible carbon monoxide exposure and told the couple to get out of their home right away.

Deputies, fire crews and medics then responded and provided aid to the couple, who said they’d recently turned on their furnace for the season and didn’t know of any mechanical issues.

The two were taken to a hospital and then airlifted to another facility for further medical treatment. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS is working to find out the victims’ current condition.

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A technician later responded to the couple’s home and detected “dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide,” the sheriff’s office says.

The poisoning is being blamed on a water heater and furnace that officials say was out of compliance with current codes.

It’s unclear if the couple had functioning carbon monoxide detectors in their home.

According to Minnesota law, there is supposed to be a working carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of every sleeping area or bedroom.

“Carbon monoxide gives no warning,” said State Fire Marshal Dan Krier. “The only way to know you’re being poisoned before it’s too late is with a CO alarm. It’s a small device but it could save the people you love most.”  

‘Silent killer’

Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuel. It’s an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can cause illness or death, which is why it’s often referred to as the “silent killer.”

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

Dizziness,

Headache,

Shortness of breath,

Fatigue,

Nausea and vomiting, and

Confusion.

Health officials say people can sometimes confuse the symptoms for the flu, but it’s important to notice some key differences between CO poisoning and other illnesses:

You feel better away from home.

Symptoms get worse when using fuel-burning equipment.

You don’t have a fever or any body aches.

The Minnesota Department of Health says more than 340 people go to the emergency room for accidental carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

For more tips on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning and recognizing the signs, click here.

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