Cold weather warning: Silent killer lurks

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Air Force medical officials warn personnel to be aware of the dangers that can accompany the use of home heating systems during cold weather. The greatest danger comes from carbon monoxide poisoning.

"CO is a silent killer," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Shawn Varney the 59th Medical Wing Emergency Department Flight commander. It is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that, when inhaled, binds to the hemoglobin molecules in your red blood cells and displaces oxygen. Instead of delivering life-sustaining oxygen to your tissues, you unknowingly send in a toxic substance that could harm you if exposed for long periods,"

Problems can arise as a result of improper installation, maintenance, or inadequate ventilation of appliances and heaters.

The Wilford Hall Emergency Department and Brooks-City Base Hyperbaric Medicine Division here saved the life of a civilian with severe carbon monoxide poisoning in October. The victim was discovered unconscious in an enclosed area. Subsequent investigation revealed a very high level of carbon monoxide gas in the area she was rescued from.

Depending on the amount of CO gas inhaled, victims will feel fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness and confusion. At very high levels it can cause unconsciousness, heart attack, permanent brain injury and death.

"People suffering from CO toxicity look and feel like they have the flu," warns Dr. Varney. "A big clue to toxicity is when you say you feel 'as sick as a dog,' and then you realize that your dog is sick too!"

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, and turn off potential combustion appliances and leave the house or enclosed space. Call 911 or go to the emergency room. Have your local fire department check it out before anyone goes back into the enclosed space.

CO detectors should be used, but not as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, hospital officials warn. They also suggest wing members research the quality and different features available in CO detectors on the market today.

"Every year we hear about carbon monoxide and, of course, working in an emergency department we see several cases each winter," said Col. (Dr.) Michaela Shafer the 959th Surgical Operations Squadron commander.

"Naively I believed that most made it to the hospital and were cured with the use of high dose oxygen and hyperbaric therapy. That is, of course, until two years ago, when I lost my funny, talented and crazy sister and brother-in-law to carbon monoxide poisoning in their home in Seattle," Dr. Shafer said.

"My brother-in-law was very smart and had installed all the fancy gadgets in his house except for the one that could have saved their lives -- carbon monoxide detectors. I think it was one of the most devastating moments in my life to lose someone so senselessly."

This year, use all those safety tips and make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order, she said.

CO poisoning prevention rules:
- Make sure appliances are properly working and adjusted to manufacturers' instructions.
- A qualified technician should inspect and repair heating system, chimneys and flues. - Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
- Use only the proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
- Do NOT use ovens and gas ranges to heat your home.
- Do NOT burn charcoal inside a home, cabin, recreational vehicle or camper.
- Never leave a car or lawn mower engine running in a shed or garage, or in any enclosed space.
- Make sure your gas stove and furnace have adequate intake of air and open vents to outside the house.

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