Fourteen children and adults were taken to the hospital on Saturday after life-threatening levels of carbon dioxide leaked into the pool area of Hampton Inn in Ohio. According to People, authorities began receiving calls related to the carbon monoxide poisoning at 5:30 P.M. local time on Saturday.
Eleven people were sent by ambulance to Marysville area hospitals, while seven victims were critical. Two of the seven people reported to be in critical condition have been transferred to a tertiary care facility. In contrast, Melanie Ziegler, VP of Community Engagement for Memorial Health, told CNN Sunday morning that five serious but stable patients were transferred to tertiary care facilities.
Authorities said that the first report involved a two-year-old who lost consciousness by the pool area. The two-year-old was among the nine people the responders took to the hospital on Saturday. Four others arrived at the hospital on their own.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Authorities also said that the first report involved a two-year-old who lost consciousness by the pool area. Several reports of individuals passing out followed. Victims reported dizziness and burning throats.
Riley reported that the fire department vacated all personnel and guests from the area, and responders turned off potential sources of carbon monoxide.
According to the Marysville Fire Chief Jay Riley, it was not clear what caused the carbon monoxide poisoning on Saturday evening.
In his statement to CNN, he said, "We continue the investigation into the source and (are) glad that no one died as a result of their exposure."
A spokesperson for the Hampton Inn confirmed that the investigation on carbon monoxide poisoning is still ongoing and that they are fully cooperating with local authorities to complete the investigation.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning fuel in cars or trucks, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces.
It can cause headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, upset stomach, chest pain, vomiting, and for others, a "flu-like symptom." If inhaled in large amounts, it can cause unconsciousness or even death. Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill people sleeping or drunk even before realizing they have the symptoms.
Every year, around 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning. More than 20,000 are admitted to emergency rooms, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.
Infants, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases are most vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Preventing Carbon monoxide poisoning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that residents or establishment owners install a battery-operated CO detector in homes or establishments for early detection. Experts also recommended that the heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances be serviced by technicians every year.
