It is traditionally during this time of the year that the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center of Norwalk Hospital - which has special expertise in diagnosing and treating people exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning - sees an increase in patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas which is present wherever there is combustion or the burning of fuel.
The staff in the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Norwalk Hospital believes that increased public awareness about carbon monoxide and its harmful effects will result in a decrease in the number of victims they treat this winter.
Norwalk Hospital is equipped with hyperbaric chambers, which are used to rapidly increase oxygen in the bloodstream to dislodge the harmful carbon monoxide molecules. Carbon monoxide in excess amounts can affect the body's central nervous system, resulting in brain damage and even death. Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning throughout the region have received neurological assessment and hyperbaric treatment at Norwalk Hospital.
The Norwalk Hospital Hyperbaric Center comprises three chambers designed to hold one person at a time. The person is placed in the chamber- a horizontal, clear plastic cylinder about four feet wide and seven feet long. Pure oxygen is pumped into the chamber under pressure. The abundant oxygen delivered in this manner washes away carbon monoxide in the tissue and the bloodstream. Most victims of carbon monoxide poisoning require from one to three treatments; some may require as many as twenty.
During the winter months, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning and it is also essential that immediate action be taken if you suspect that you or a loved one may have been exposed to this deadly gas.
In addition to installing carbon monoxide detectors in the home, the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Norwalk Hospital, emphasizes the importance of taking other precautions, which include:
* Have your home heating system routinely cleaned.
* Check your chimney to make sure it is open. Animal nests and leaves can clog the chimney.
* Do not use ovens or gas ranges for the purpose of heating your home.
* Never use kerosene or other fuel-fired space heaters or barbecues in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space.
* Do not use paint strippers in poorly ventilated areas.
* If you notice any problem with your heating system, call your oil or gas company immediately.
* If you have a faulty exhaust system in your car, have it repaired immediately; also have a mechanic periodically check the exhaust system in your car.
In addition to taking precautions, it is important to recognize symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The symptoms include: headache, flu-like illness without a fever, a sense of imbalance, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, numbness or tingling in extremities. If these symptoms occur, you should seek medial assistance immediately.
For more information on this, call the Norwalk Hospital Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at 203-852-2434.
