Above / Naperville Fire Department is called to respond to carbon monoxide detection at 1000 block of Bradford Drive. (PN File Photo)
At approximately 9AM on Sat., Feb. 18, 2017, Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a 911 call from a resident on the 1000 block of Bradford Drive complaining of multiple family members feeling ill.
The PSAP tele-communicator immediately dispatched an engine and ambulance to the residence and advised the residents to step out of the home.
Naperville Engine 4 and Medic 4 arrived within six minutes of the initial call for assistance. Upon entry into the complainant’s residence, the Naperville Firefighter/Paramedics immediately detected an increase of carbon monoxide (CO) levels as indicated on the CO monitor that is part of the complement of equipment carried on all medical calls.
The call was immediately elevated to an ambulance box alarm bringing four additional ambulances and two Shift Commanders to the scene.
In total, four patients were treated under advanced life support protocols and transported to Edward Hospital Naperville.
Source of elevated CO readings tied to water heater
Further investigation into the cause of the elevated CO readings revealed a problem with the complainant’s water heater. Adjoining units in the building were checked for CO with slightly elevated readings detected which were quickly brought to within normal standards by means of ventilation. During the investigation it was discovered that the unit the call originated from was not equipped with a working CO detector.
A representative from NICOR was requested to the scene to further evaluate the situation.
The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Warrenville Fire Protection District, the Lisle Woodridge Fire Protection District, the Naperville Police Department, and NICOR. The Aurora Fire Department, Bolingbrook Fire Department, Wheaton Fire Department, and Plainfield Fire Protection District provided coverage for Naperville Fire stations during this occurrence. There were no injuries to any firefighter paramedics as a result of this incident.
News submitted by Andrew Dina, Deputy Chief of Operations, Naperville Fire Department.
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