A family of five in western Sydney narrowly escaped death when they were almost overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning from using an outdoor barbecue indoors as a heater.
Emergency responders rushed three adults and a child to the hospital after the family fell unconscious due to carbon monoxide fumes in their Wentworthville home around 4:15 a.m. on June 29.
The family had brought a charcoal barbecue from their balcony inside to keep warm, unaware of the deadly consequences.
Unfortunately, the toxic fumes accumulated within the home, causing three family members to lose consciousness.
Fire crews had to relocate the family to the balcony for treatment as the carbon monoxide levels inside the unit exceeded four times the safe limit.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is invisible, tasteless, and odorless, posing a severe threat to human life, as highlighted by the New South Wales (NSW) fire service.
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Fire service Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell emphasized the danger of using outdoor heating devices indoors, stating, “There’s nowhere for the poisonous fumes to go if they build up indoors.”
Paul Collis of Fire and Rescue NSW warned that as temperatures drop and heating costs rise, people are resorting to using outdoor heaters inside, unaware of the risks involved.
“It may not seem dangerous, but carbon monoxide can silently incapacitate you while you sleep,” Mr. Collis explained to ABC News.
Following the incident, fire crews ventilated the apartment and monitored gas levels throughout the building to ensure the safety of residents.
