    |
|
|
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|||||
|
| You are here: News Release |
|
For More Information:
1/29/2009 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Sending Residents to ERs Jewish Hospital warns residents to be aware of the dangers
LOUISVILLE, KY (January 29, 2009) – Just like last September when local residents were snapping up backup generators while waiting for electricity, the community is once again seeing a number of residents suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Jewish Hospital has already seen eight patients in the past 24 hours suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, all of whom were using a generator improperly in their homes or burning other types of fuel-gas, oil, kerosene, charcoal or wood. All were placed in a hyperbaric chamber. Seven have been confirmed using a generator. Six have been released from the hospital and two are continuing to undergo treatment. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a result of breathing too much carbon monoxide, a gas which is produced by burning any type of fuel-gas, oil, kerosene, charcoal or wood. The danger of carbon monoxide is that it replaces the oxygen in your blood, and without that oxygen, cells die, which can lead to organ failure. “People are placing themselves in danger with the improper use of backup generators,” says Jennifer Sizemore, director of Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics at Jewish Hospital. Please do not put gas-powered generators inside your home, including your basement, garage or any other confined area. The proper way to use a generator is to place it outdoors at least 10 feet away from the house, and also making sure the exhaust points away from the house. Also, the wind can push carbon monoxide indoors, so run the generator downwind of the house. Using common sense and following a manufacturer’s instructions are very important.”
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness or nausea. If a person is in an area where carbon monoxide could be the issue, they need to leave the area immediately and call 911 or go to the emergency room. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen rapidly or over a long period of time, so people need to be aware of the effects. For interview opportunities, contact Barbara Mackovic at (502) 587-4230. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
© 2005 Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare
| Contact Us | Notice
of Privacy Practices | Last Updated:
9/11/08
|
