Treatment for CO Poisoning
Any person who is suspected to have carbon monoxide poisoning
should leave the potentially dangerous environment, get fresh air
immediately and seek care from a doctor. CO poisoning can be
determined by a simple blood test, called a “carboxyhaemoglobin”
test. This test measures the amount of carbon monoxide in the
bloodstream. For this test to be accurate, it must be done immediately
after CO exposure. Acute CO poisoning is usually treated by
breathing in oxygen. When CO poisoning is severe, (for example,
when there is an altered state of consciousness), high pressure oxygen
therapy in a special “hyperbaric chamber” may be used. A doctor will
make this determination and administer treatment if necessary.
Calling a Qualified Technician to Find and Repair the
Problem
If you call a qualified service technician (such as a licensed heating
contractor, Corgi registered service technician, chimney sweep or fuel
provider) to inspect your home for possible sources of CO, you will
want to tell them which appliances (if any) were operating before the
alarm sounded. Do not restart these appliances until the problem is
corrected. Request service for as soon as possible, like
TODAY
.
Please be aware that some service technicians may charge a fee to
inspect your home, even if the source of CO is not found. You may
wish to find out if you will be charged for the service and the amount
of the fee before you request service. Some public utilities do not
charge for inspection. Some service technicians do not charge if you
purchased your appliance from them. To know for sure, you need to
ask before the technician comes to your home. Repair work or
replacement of appliances may be necessary to fix the problem that
is creating the CO in your home. Remember, a CO alarm can only
warn you of the presence of CO, it does not prevent CO from
occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO problem.
Because you’ve provided ventilation by leaving your windows and
doors open, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help
responds. Although your problem may appear to be temporarily
solved, it’s crucial that the source of the CO is determined and
appropriate repairs are made.
4-3
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
When the CO alarm senses a dangerous level of CO, the unit
will emit a loud pulsing alarm. Know how to respond to a CO
emergency. Periodically review this user’s guide and discuss
with all members of your family.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
1) Open the doors and windows to ventilate.
2) Turn off the appliance where possible and stop
using the appliance.
3) Evacuate the property leaving the doors and
windows open. A latching alarm will need to be reset
in accordance with the user instructions.
4) Ring British Gas on their emergency number; keep
the number in a prominent place - 0800 111 999.
5) Do no re-enter the property until the alarm has
stopped.
6) Get medical help immediately for anyone suffering
the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning
(headache, nausea), and advise that carbon
monoxide poisoning is suspected.
7) Do not use the appliance again until it has been
checked by an expert. In the case of gas appliances
this must be a CORGI registered installer.
4-2
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
▲
!
WARNING:
Actuation of your CO
Alarm indicates the presence of Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which can KILL YOU.
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 25
