Family in Wentworthville Hospitalized for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Indoor Barbecue
A family of five in Wentworthville, Sydney, was hospitalized after experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning from using a charcoal barbecue indoors for warmth. The incident highlights the dangers of indoor use of outdoor heating appliances, with authorities warning about the extreme risks and health issues associated with carbon monoxide exposure.
A family of five in Wentworthville, Sydney, experienced carbon monoxide poisoning after using a charcoal barbecue indoors for warmth. The incident occurred just after 4 a.m. on a Saturday, when temperatures were low. Firefighters were called to the Wentworth Ave unit and found three people unconscious.
Emergency services arrived promptly, treated the family outdoors, and ventilated the apartment. The carbon monoxide levels inside were detected to be more than four times above the dangerous limit. The affected individuals, including three adults and one child, were transported to Westmead Hospital and are in stable condition.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell emphasized the dangers of using outdoor heating appliances indoors, stating that such devices pose an extreme risk because the poisonous fumes cannot dissipate. FRNSW continues to raise awareness about the dangers associated with incorrectly using these devices.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, and loss of consciousness.
