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Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
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 physician. CO poisoning can be
determined by a simple blood test, called a “carboxyhemoglobin”
test. This test measures the amount of carbon monoxide in the
bloodstream. For this test to be accurate, it must be done immedi-
ately 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 physician
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, utility 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 cor-
rected. 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.
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Procedure
If alarm signal sounds 4 quick beeps, 5 seconds off:
1) Immediately move to fresh air - outdoors or by an
open door or window. Check that all persons are
accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises or
move away from the open door/window until
emergency services responders have arrived, the
premises have been aired out, and your alarm
remains in its normal operating condition.
2) Call your emergency local service
(fire deptartment or 911).
Never restart the source of a CO problem until it has
been corrected. Never ignore the sound of the alarm!
PHONE NUMBER
WARNING: Actuation of the CO Alarm
indicates the presence of Carbon Monoxide
(CO) which can kill you.