The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 8, at approximately 8:00 p.m. Firefighters received a report of suspected gas poisoning in the building at 39 Jana Pawła II Street. Upon arriving at the scene, they found that the carbon monoxide concentration in the kitchen exceeded 160 ppm. The evacuation of all residents from the stairwell was necessary. The affected family with a young child, who was experiencing symptoms of poisoning, had already left the apartment. Firefighters ventilated the stairwell and the apartments. The apartment owner was given oxygen, while the child and mother were placed in the care of paramedics and taken to hospital.
After the operation was completed, the fire service checked all apartments with a multi-gas detector—it showed no elevated concentrations of carbon monoxide or other dangerous gases. The furnace was extinguished and the premises were properly ventilated. After 9:00 p.m., the operation ended and residents could safely return to their apartments.
What should you do if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected?
- Ensure a supply of fresh air – open windows and doors and turn off the heat source (e.g., a furnace or gas stove).
- Evacuate the endangered room – stay in the fresh air and do not allow unauthorized people to return to the premises.
- Call for help – call the emergency services (112) and report suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Provide first aid – if the injured person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse. If necessary, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Remember prevention – service heating appliances regularly, check that ventilation is unobstructed and consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in the apartment.
Following these procedures can save health and life when dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide occur.