El Paso Family Hospitalized For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

An El Paso father reportedly found his family suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning early Friday morning. His wife and two children were taken to a local hospital to be treated.

According to the El Paso Times, firefighters went to a home in the 3200 block of Sal Berroteran Drive with reports of a possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Spokesman George De La Toree told reporters that a man reported that his wife, his 15-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter were all found in their bedrooms “with what appeared to be carbon monoxide poisoning.”

All three were reportedly taken to Del Sol Medical Center for treatment where the two teens were treated and then released. According to KTSM, the mother is still fighting for her life in the Intensive Care Unit.

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause not only sudden illness but also death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CO is found in combustion fumes, “such as gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.”

“CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.”

Police and fire officials did a search of the El Paso home and reports state that the El Paso Fire Department discovered that the family was using a gasoline powered electric generator to power their home because their electricity had been cut off.

According to KFOX El Paso, fire officials reminded the public that they should never use portable generators inside homes or garages “even if the doors and windows are open. Generators should only be used outside away from the home.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that a variety of symptoms could suggest carbon monoxide poisoning.

“The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.”

In the case of the El Paso family, the mother and two teens were lucky that their father had come home and found them, or else they could have all died from the CO poisoning. The mother is reportedly still listed as in critical condition at this time.

[image via Shutterstock/Sam72]