Sint-Jans-Molenbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper): An elderly woman in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek was hospitalized after paramedics discovered dangerous carbon monoxide levels in her apartment. A malfunctioning wood stove and improperly installed smoke detectors contributed to the incident, highlighting the importance of CO detectors for vulnerable individuals.
On 9th November early in the morning, around 5:45 a.m., an ambulance and a Mobile Urgent Group (MUG) team were called to an apartment on Cail et Halotstraat in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek for an unconscious elderly woman. When they arrived, the paramedics quickly entered the apartment, but their carbon monoxide detector went off, indicating dangerous levels of the gas. This prompted them to secure the area to protect the residents.
What steps can be taken to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in vulnerable residents?
The paramedics called the fire department for help because of the carbon monoxide danger. A fire department spokesperson said that more firefighters were sent to the apartment. Their job was to ventilate the place to get rid of the CO and find out where the leak was coming from to stop any more danger. The quick response from both the medical team and firefighters showed how important CO detectors are in emergencies, especially for vulnerable people like the elderly woman involved.
A woman was taken to the hospital after very high levels of carbon monoxide were found in her apartment. The spokesperson explained that the wood stove she used for heat was not working properly, and there wasn’t enough fresh air. Although there were smoke detectors in the building, they were not installed correctly and were left on the windowsill on the second floor. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, the fire brigade suggests having a certified technician check heating devices, ensuring proper exhaust and fresh air, installing CO detectors, and getting help if anyone feels sick with symptoms like nausea or headaches.
