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GVAC Adds CO Monitor to Equipment List
New detector measures carbon monoxide in the blood
by Maria Theodore Leiter
The Garrison Volunteer Ambulance Corp. has recently purchased new lifesaving equipment that can detect carbon monoxide levels in the blood.
"This piece of equipment is the first non-invasive way of accurately detecting blood CO levels known as carboxyhemoglobin," explained Captain Jerry Moore. The CO/pulsoximeter works by placing a probe on the finger and using light rays to accurately determine pulse, blood oxygen levels and CO. While regular pulseoximeters are common on ambulances, the addition of the CO option is a fairly recent innovation.
Carbon Monoxide or CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill. It does so by replacing oxygen in the blood system, causing organ failure. According to the Center for Disease Control, 500 Americans die from accidental CO exposure each year and 2000 kill themselves by intentionally breathing in the gas. The causes for CO poisoning include breathing car fumes in a poorly ventilated area, faulty or improperly vented appliances, clogged chimneys and improperly maintained venting systems. The CDC recommends that homeowners install CO detectors in their homes along with smoke detectors. Because carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning wood and other materials, one group that is particularly at risk for high CO levels is firefighters.
"This will allow us to triage residents whose CO detectors went off, as well as firefighters on fire scenes," said Moore.
North Highlands Fire Department Deputy Chief John Noschese said that while firefighters are normally wearing protective gear to prevent breathing in CO, it is a good idea to have the equipment. "The more safety devices they have, the better," he said.
According to Stephanie Spears of the Philipstown Ambulance Corps, incidents of CO alarms going off coupled with ensuing symptoms are rare, making it difficult for every department to justify the cost. However, she said it was a good thing to have at least one within the town borders.
The $2,500 piece of equipment was a planned expenditure for the GVAC. According to Moore, he has contacted the County dispatcher and the department is working on a plan for dispatching to CO alarms. The Board of Directors will also meet and discuss the possibility of availability for mutual aid.
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