Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning is a danger year round but it is especially dangerous in the winter when the use of heating devices is more likely and your house is usually closed up.   Without the presence of a CO detector you may not know that there is a problem until it's too late.  CO takes time to build up in your system and it is better at attaching to your red blood cells than oxygen is.  Here are some characteristics, sources, and treatment of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.  Press here for more information regarding Carbon Monoxide

Characteristics:

Poisonous Gas
Colorless
Odorless
Byproduct of Incomplete Combustion

Sources

Charcoal Briquettes
Propane Grills
Internal Combustion Engines (including gasoline and diesel)
Oil or Gas Furnaces
Propane, Kerosene, or Butane Heaters

Signs and Symptoms of CO Poisoning

SIGNS
Neurological Deficits (including unconsciousness, confusion, and inability to perform simple tasks)
Cherry Red Appearance (this is a late sign)

SYMPTOMS
Loss of Consciousness
Headache
Chest Pain
Confusion
Lethargy
Nausea and/or Vomiting
Seizures
Dizziness

Emergency Treatment for CO Poisoning

Remove patient from source or location
Call 911 immediately after removing patient
Open windows and door regardless of the weather
If your CO detector goes off, evacuate the building regardless of how you feel and contact 911.  Signs and symptoms may not show themselves for hours.

The Patient May Require:
High Flow Oxygen
Hyperbaric Treatment
Advanced Medical Care
Hospitalization
Ongoing Treatments

Press here to find out what happens on an ambulance call.