Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service rushed to a hotel in the 3700 block of Portage Avenue Tuesday morning, July 9, 2019 for the report of high carbon monoxide levels.
52 people and one dog were evacuated from the hotel of those 46 were sent to hospital. Winnipeg Fire Chief John Lane said that 15 people who were transported were in critical condition and five in unstable condition.
The dog was placed in care with Winnipeg’s Animal Services Agency.
Fire officials say that levels exceeded 385 parts per million (PPM). Often people start showing signs of poisoning when levels are over 20 ppm. Firefighters will evacuate a building when levels are between 10 – 20 ppm and over.
Manitoba Hydro also responded to the hotel and shut off the natural gas. Hydro crews are trying to determine the source of the issue.
Manitoba Hydro says carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by the incomplete combustion/ventilation of gas stoves, heating boilers, furnaces, propane barbecues, gas-powered water heaters & clothes dryers.
According to Health Canada carbon monoxide, even at low levels, is considered dangerous and can cause health problems before you may even notice that it is present.
Breathing in carbon monoxide reduces your body’s ability to carry oxygen in your blood
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms, fatigue
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Impaired judgment
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness
- Visual changes
- Fainting
- Seizure
- Memory problems
- Walking problems
Traffic in the area was diverted while emergency crews were on scene.
