Augusta, NY – Six people, including a 6-month old child, were rescued by firefighters Sunday morning after being exposed to high concentration levels of Carbon Monoxide.
According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. Sunday at the home at 2105 Sharmin Road in the Town of Augusta. Residents of the house, ranging in age from a 6-month-old to 58-year-old, woke up feeling sick, had headaches and were vomiting. One of the occupants was able to call 911 and attempted to get other members of the family out, but was unable to as that member was overcome with the dangerous gas as well. The occupants remained on the second floor of the home as they were unable to escape, authorities said.
Members of the Oriskany Falls Fire Department arrived on the scene and rescued the six victims and brought them safely outside to fresh air. They were treated at the scene, then transported to two local hospitals for further treatment.
They are all expected to be okay, authorities said.
The fire department’s investigation found that a malfunctioning coal heating stove was the source of the carbon monoxide leak.
The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone that Carbon Monoxide is a deadly, colorless and odorless gas that is often excreted by household heaters and stoves. It is essential to keep such stoves, hot water heaters, furnaces and alike serviced and clean.
If anyone is experiencing headaches, upset stomachs or nausea and suspects that Carbon Monoxide is making them sick, they are to leave the area immediately and get fresh air. They are also urged to call the fire department and EMS to be treated and to help find the source of the leak. It is also required to have at least one working Carbon Monoxide detector per floor of a home, and recommended to have additional detectors near living spaces such as bedrooms.