Minneapolis, MN – The dangers posed by carbon monoxide poisoning made the news recently when relatives of Jared Johnson talked about his death publicly for the first time. Johnson was ice fishing on Leech Lake when his death occurred. The cause of death was determined to be carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning related to propane heaters that were not properly ventilated.

Johnson’s mother, Denise, joined representatives of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Hennepin County Medical Center at a press conference to encourage safety related to fish houses and carbon monoxide.

Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer Amber Ladd said she has never encountered CO poisoning as part of her job in the McGregor area but had encountered it in a residence while working in a previous law enforcement position.

“The thing to keep in mind is that CO gas is odorless and colorless. If you were in your fish house and started to smell propane you would likely check your heater and open the windows and/or doors to air it out. You can’t smell carbon monoxide,” Ladd said, adding, “It is not required by law to have detectors in your fish house or your home for that matter.Portable fish houses usually are more drafty than permanent houses but anglers should always keep them vented.”

Ladd said most commercial fish houses have vents built in. For permanent houses, she advised keeping a window cracked and get a good working CO alarm. She said it is also advisable to have a functioning fire extinguisher.

“Know the symptoms of CO poisoning so you can recognize it and act early. If you’re in the early stages, fresh air goes a long way and you may end up with just a headache. Realize that detectors can fail, so know the symptoms and get fresh air right away if you’re experiencing any. Make sure vents are clear and heaters are working properly.If you plan to sleep in a fish house, it’s that much more important to have ventilation and an alarm since you may not wake up due to the symptoms alone,” Ladd concluded.

CO poisoning symptoms

Denise Johnson said the day her son died was the worst day of her and her family’s life, a fate she hoped her speaking out might prevent happening to other ice anglers and their families.

“Something has to change. He left behind two children and it’s an easy inexpensive fix. It never has to happen,” Denise Johnson said.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of CO poisoning include: dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and loss of consciousness.

Mayo agrees with Johnson, Ladd and the other representatives at the press conference that prevention is the best medicine.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated. People may have irreversible brain damage or even be killed before anyone realizes there’s a problem,” a Mayo spokesperson says, adding, “The warning signs can be subtle but the condition is life-threatening. If you think you or someone you’re with may have carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air and seek emergency medical care.”

New law for boats

Though CO detectors are not required in individually-owned fish houses, they soon will be required in some motorboats. A new law, Sophia’s Law, goes into effect in Minnesota May 1. It is named forseven-year-old Sophia Baechler, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while boating on Lake Minnetonka.

Motorboats, regardless of fuel type, must have a functioning marine CO detector if they have an enclosed accommodation compartment, defined as a boat with all of the following: designated sleeping accommodations, a galley area with a sink and a toilet compartment.

A gasoline-powered motorboat with any enclosed space intended for a person to enter, will be required to have three CO warning stickers displayed at the helm, stern and entrance to enclosed occupancy spaces.

The DNR will be mailing out warning stickers this spring with an informational brochure. Stickers will also be available at all deputy registrars and local marinas.