Boise (ID) firefighters and Ada County paramedics were called to a 14-story building downtown yesterday afternoon when several people began complaining of symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. In all, 21 people were treated on scene for symptoms ranging from headaches to dizziness and nausea. Eleven of those–including three pregnant women–were transported to two nearby hospitals for evaluation as a precaution. All symptoms appeared to be nonlife-threatening.
The call came in at approximately 1:15 pm to the Simplot building on the southeast corner of South 10th and West Main Streets. Witnesses reported a man who was an employee of a business in the building had been riding a gas powered scooter–reported to be a 50cc moped type scooter–on three floors of the 14-story building. The building houses several businesses. The scooter was reportedly ridden floors 4, 5 and 8.
Firefighters located the man and the scooter on the 8th floor. It is a violation of fire code to operate gas-powered equipment inside a building. Firefighters educated the man who was operating the scooter. No citations have been issued at this time.
Arrived and found low levels of CO
When firefighters arrived, they immediately began treating patients by making sure they received fresh air and monitoring vital signs. Monitoring equipment used by firefighters inside the building initially revealed low levels of carbon monoxide the air where the scooter had been ridden. Working with building maintenance, firefighters assisted in ventilating the building and very soon CO readings were negative.
Tips on Reviving Someone Exposed to Carbon Monoxide
No evacuation of the building was ordered. People experiencing symptoms walked out of the building to waiting medics.
Boise firefighters and Ada County medics treated 21 people who work in the building for symptoms of low level carbon monoxide exposure. Symptoms included headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in some cases, vomiting.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless deadly gas. It’s a common by-product of incomplete combustion, produced when oil, gas, or coal burns. Since you can not see, taste, or smell it, carbon monoxide can affect and even kill you before you know it’s there. Exposure to low levels can make you sick. Individuals with greater oxygen requirements such as unborn babies, infants, children, or people with respiratory or coronary problems are at a greater risk for CO poisoning.
MORE BOISE (ID) FIRE NEWS
