'Silent killer' detectors save lives Published Feb. 14, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Ronald Simpkins 87th Civil Engineer Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Carbon monoxide, or CO, is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S. CO according to American Medical Association is often referred to as the "silent killer" simply because people can't see, smell, or taste it. People may unknowingly cause a combustion by anything that burns fuel, such as gas furnaces, water heaters, barbecue grills, wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, alternative power sources and cars. The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Emergency Services respond to numerous CO and fire alarm alerts initiated by automobiles. The joint base emergency services is encouraging residents to understand that warming up vehicles inside the garage can trigger a detector, even if the door connecting the garage and the home is closed. "CO can enter the residence by finding small openings beneath or around doors and small crevasses leading to the inside of the home," said Brain Dupris, JB MDL Fire Emergency Services fire prevention inspector. Problems can also arise from the build-up of the invisible, colorless, odorless gas in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, such as a home's garage. "When warming up vehicles, residents should remove them from the garage instead of allowing them to warm-up inside," said Robert Lemanski JB MDL Fire Emergency Services assistant chief of fire prevention. "A common misconception is that if the garage door is opened or partially opened it will allow enough air to circulate, and minimize the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning to humans and animals." "When carbon monoxide poisoning is apparent, quick action should be taken," said Capt. David Harris, a JB MDL Fire Emergency Service emergency medical technician. "Overwhelming concentrations of this invisible, colorless, odorless gas can cause cognitive impairment, loss of consciousness or a coma. Unless suspected by hearing a car or other power equipment running, CO poisoning symptoms can mimic other types of medical illnesses. It's important to note people who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing any symptoms." "If your alarm sounds, immediately move yourself and family to fresh air outdoors," said Tech. Sgt. Aaron Fernaays, JB MDL Fire Emergency Service assistant chief of operations. "It's extremely important in any emergency situation to do a head count of your family and pets of your household upon evacuating to the family's designated safe area. Call 911 once you have moved to fresh air and don't for any reason re-enter the residence." All residents should test CO/Fire alarms monthly and check for low batteries on audible trouble signals. Also please remember during or after a snowstorm, ensure heating, ventilation and air conditioning vents, filters and vehicle exhaust pipes are clear of any snow build-up. The JB MDL Fire Emergency Services would like everyone to remember CO poisoning is an invisible, odorless and colorless deadly gas that can enter the home when precautious are not practiced. Start a vehicle, remove it from the garage, air out the garage, and then shut the garage and home doors. Call the Joint Base Fire Prevention Office at 754-2451 for more information.