GARNETT — A Garnett house was evacuated and nine people were taken to the hospital after exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide Friday.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Department reported receiving a 911 call for a patient in cardiac arrest in Garnett at about 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Upon arrival, safety personnel initiated life-saving resuscitation efforts, and in so doing, requested the Garnett Fire Department perform a check for carbon monoxide inside the home.
Readings revealed a fatal level of carbon monoxide inside the home, which was immediately evacuated.
An EMS “all call” was initiated to bring in additional personnel and resources. Three additional ambulances responded to assist.
In total, eight public safety personnel and one private citizen were taken to Anderson County Hospital for evaluation.
The carbon monoxide levels were coming from a gas-powered machine operating in a nearby garage.
Additional information was not made immediately available because of the ongoing investigation.
WHILE most assume carbon monoxide dangers are exclusive only to winter months, when heaters and furnaces are burning, there are several other potential sources of toxic levels of carbon monoxide:
— Running vehicles or machinery in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
— Blocked exhaust systems, like chimneys or tailpipes
— Fires, including smoldering structure fires or vehicles fires, also produce large amounts of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it particularly dangerous, which is why monitoring and ventilation are so important, the Sheriff’s Department noted.
