Fire prevention officer, Dave Davies, checks a CO detector. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Brady Bateman

Carbon Monoxide

Parkland Ambulance encourages safe practices following carbon monoxide deaths

Jul 11, 2019 | 5:00 PM

In light of a tragic incident north of Prince Albert, believed to have been caused by carbon monoxide which led to the death of two young cousins, Parkland Ambulance is reminding residents the importance of carbon monoxide detectors.

“This incident that happened recently outside of Prince Albert and the incident that happened in Winnipeg remind us that carbon monoxide isn’t something we should only worry about during the winter,” Director of Public Affairs with Parkland Ambulance Lyle Karasiuk said.

“It highlights for us that anytime we have an enclosed space, whether that’s a bedroom, a garage or just your home and you are operating any type of heating appliance such as a fireplace, water heater or generator, it highlights us that we need to take the proper precautions.”

Karasiuk noted the importance of homes having not only one, but preferably two carbon monoxide detectors, as well as regular smoke detectors. He also noted the importance of annually checking these devices, and properly maintaining them.

“Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless. Unless you have a detector you just will not know it is present,” Karasiuk added.

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“If you notice that you are feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or are experiencing flu like symptoms affecting several people, you need to get out of the area immediately. Flu like symptoms don’t happen to a bunch of people all at once, so that is an immediate indicator of carbon monoxide.”

In a media release, SaskPower’s Director of Gas Inspections, Asif Ali, reminded residents the importance of having monitors in your home.

“Don’t put your family’s safety at risk,” Ali said. “If you don’t have a CO detector, you should buy one. If you already have one, you should check it to ensure it’s working. It’s also important to check your vents throughout the year, especially as the weather changes.”

According to the Saskatchewan Coroners Service there have been a total of 16 deaths attributed to accidental carbon monoxide poisonings in Saskatchewan since 2015.

Six of the deaths were from carbon monoxide seeping into a home or garage. Ten deaths were the result of a fire and the carbon monoxide produced.

RCMP have not released any further details into the recent incident near Prince Albert which lead to the death of two young cousins. The investigation is ongoing at this time. A GoFundMe page has been set up time for the families of the youths involved.

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brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TheDigitalBirdy