Dallas Hazmat Team Responds to Carbon Monoxide Leak

Add Feedback

Share |

A 911 call from a Dallas, Texas hotel yesterday morning turned into more than Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) had expected after one of their own fell ill. Paramedics arrived at the Dallas Hometown Suites to assess, treat and transport an adult male complaining of feeling dizzy and faint, DFR spokesman Jason Evans said in a news release.

After transporting the man to a nearby hospital for evaluation, one of the first responders began exhibiting the same symptoms so firefighters suspected an exposure to carbon monoxide (CO). They began evacuation procedures and notified DFR's Hazardous Materials Team (Hazmat).

While those evacuated waited in the Raddison Hotel across the street, the team moved in and detected highly toxic levels of CO in the lobby. The source of the leak was determined to be a water heater in the boiler room. Firefighters ventilated the area and Atmos Energy was notified to come and repair the leak, according to Evans. A couple of hours later, once the environment was deemed safe, residents were allowed to re-enter their rooms.

The condition of the patient is unknown but no life threatening injuries were suffered during the incident. According to Evans, it was fortunate the leak was detected at the time it was when there were fewer people in the building and the CO did not have time to build up to a higher concentration.

According to DFR, signs and symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide can range from headaches, dizziness and blurred vision to difficulty breathing, fatigue and wanting to go to sleep. The gas in known as the 'Silent Killer' because a person can't see it, smell it or taste it. If a CO leak is suspected, immediately leave the area and call 911. Do not try to locate the source of the leak. CO detectors can warn people of a leak and can be bought at a local hardware store.



Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News