CO alarm alerts paramedics to danger as they help London woman
A $175 device has again made a difference for London paramedics and perhaps a patient.
On Thursday, an ambulance crew responded to a call in the northwest end of the Forest City to aid a person experiencing heart and breathing issues.
Inside, paramedics attempted to determine what was wrong with the female patient.
Moments later, the small device they carry to every call, went off.
“When the crew entered the house, their CO (carbon monoxide) monitor went off, so upon transport of the patient they mentioned that as a potential underlying cause,” states Middlesex-London Paramedic Service Operations Manager Lynn McCreary.
It is not an unusual example she confirms.
“We might find this happens four to five times during the winter months,” McCreary adds.
It’s why the devices were first purchased six years ago, to protect paramedics and their patients.
The CO detectors are attached to a cardiac monitor that goes inside every residence, on every call.
While the devices ensure the safety of paramedics, the Deputy Chief of the London Fire Department contends they should not be needed.
Matt Hepditch reminds residents carbon monoxide detectors are mandatory in homes.
“So, it is required to be installed adjacent to any sleeping area on any floor of your home,” states Hepditch.
He says it is also important to note that if your detector goes off, do not hesitate, ever, to call 911.
“And they feel it may be a disruption to fire service, it’s not. It’s a legitimate 911 call”.
And that's especially at this time of year, he says, as many of us use fuel-fired appliances for heat and comfort.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Hepditch affirms.
McCreary agrees, adding any hesitation on safety checks might result in a close call or worse.
“I’ve actually been on a call when one of these devices went off and we quickly took the patient right out of the house,” says McCreary.
“Carbon monoxide alarms are definitely life savers,” Hepditch concludes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.