WATCH: A Warman, Sask. family that was rushed to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning is serving as a reminder to stay safe and take precautions as the temperature drops. Aaron Streck reports.
SASKATOON – “It’s a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas,” said Saskatoon Fire Department Assistant Chief Morgan Hackl.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is better known as the silent killer.
“With the signs and symptoms that a person will feel they’re similar to flu like symptoms so at times an adult or a child may not recognize that they’re having an issue with carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Hackl.
Carbon monoxide scares can be caused by a number of issues.
“One can be running a vehicle in a garage with the door closed, it’s even recommended when you start your vehicle to pull it out of the garage even though you have your garage door open, depending on the drafts carbon monoxide can enter the home,” said Hackl.
Monday, paramedics transported three young girls under the age of five, the youngest 10-months-old, three women and a 30-year-old man to Royal University Hospital with carbon monoxide symptoms, dizziness and nausea. All were in stable condition. The Warman family had been having some issues with their furnace.
MORE: Carbon monoxide poisoning at Warman, Sask. home
“CO can come out of your natural gas equipment, one is venting that is improperly installed, blockages in your chimney or venting, or just equipment that has not been serviced or maintained over a number of years,” said Derek Zimmerman, owner of Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning in Saskatoon.
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This year the Saskatoon Fire Department has received 261 calls of carbon monoxide concerns. Since the 90’s there have been at least three different instances where people have died because of CO poisoning.
“A standard level for an adult is around two percent carbon monoxide in their blood and for a new born it’s as high as 12 per cent, so by those numbers we can determine if their levels are normal or elevated and whether they need to seek medical attention,” said Hackl.
While cold snaps can be the most dangerous times for carbon monoxide, it’s recommended to check detectors every month.
The Saskatoon Fire Department recommends if you’re feeling symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and suspect a leak to call 911.
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