BY TIMOTHY LAROCHE
[email protected]
CLAREMONT — State fire officials say that all occupants of a Claremont home are expected to fully recover after high levels of carbon monoxide sent 10 people to the hospital.
The three occupants of a multi-family home at 26 Belding St. and two friends who were staying at the apartment were hospitalized late Thursday night after showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Two Claremont firefighters, a police officer and two EMTs working with Golden Cross Ambulance Company were also hospitalized from exposure to the gas, according to fire officials.
As of Friday afternoon, all emergency responders had been released from the hospital.
“Everybody who had been in the home, whether it was for a long duration or a short duration, was treated,” Fire Chief Bryan Burr said. “Carbon monoxide levels that are out of the norm should be monitored and treated with oxygen.”
According to state Fire Marshal William Degnan, emergency responders were called to the building at 11:36 p.m. on Thursday night for reports of a medical emergency. The first responders to the scene arrived about two minutes later, Burr estimated.
Upon entering the building, responders found that all occupants of the house were showing “varying” signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Firefighters subsequently recorded elevated levels of the gas throughout the home.
Burr said he could not comment on the cause of the carbon monoxide, pending an investigation from the state fire marshal. State fire investigator Anthony Booth could not be reached for comment.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that causes symptoms similar to a sudden onset of the flu, including headaches, nausea and confusion. Prolonged exposure to the gas can cause loss of fainting, brain damage or death.
“Carbon monoxide mimics oxygen and attaches to your hemoglobin,” Burr explained. “Your body doesn’t know the difference between carbon monoxide and oxygen.”
While no details on the exact source of the gas have been released yet, Burr noted that the carbon monoxide is usually the released as a result of burning carbon-based fuels in household appliances. He advises residents to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout their homes to prevent prolonged exposure.
Follow Timothy LaRoche on Facebook at Eagle Times – Timothy LaRoche, or on Twitter at @TimothyLaRoche.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.