5 Hospitalized For Carbon Monoxide In Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — Two Summit residents and three first responders were hospitalized early Thursday morning due to carbon monoxide, Summit Volunteer EMS reported.

A Summit resident called 9-1-1 just before 3 a.m. on May 18 reporting heart palpitations. However, not long after the Summit EMS arrived, the caller's husband also became ill as well as a paramedic from Atlantic Health who had responded to assist, said First Aid Squad spokesman John Staunton.

High levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside the home by the Summit Fire Department and both residents and the paramedic were treated and transported by ambulance to Overlook Medical Center.

Two Summit Police officers also exhibited symptoms of CO poisoning and were evaluated on scene and also transported to Overlook as a precaution.

Millburn-Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad and Springfield Volunteer First Aid Squad also helped to transport patients to the hospital.

CO gas is colorless and odorless and very difficult to detect without equipment. CO poisoning is a life-threatening emergency and it is not uncommon for affected people to die in their sleep.

“Given the hour, both residents are very lucky," said Staunton. “In addition to a smoke or fire alarm, every home should have at least one CO detector.”

For more information on the all-volunteer First Aid Squad or to join call 908-277- 9479, or visit www.summitems.org.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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