Carbon monoxide awareness and safety is key for people who operate watercraft, since CO can be potentially deadly.
Carbon monoxide (CO) can harm and even kill you inside or outside your boat!
Did you also know:
- CO symptoms are similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxicationω
- CO can affect you whether you’re underway, moored, or anchoredω
- You cannot see, smell, or taste COω
- CO can make you sick in seconds. In high enough concentrations, even a few breaths can be fatalω
Most important of all, did you know carbon monoxide poisonings are preventableω Every boater should be aware of the risks associated with carbon monoxide – what it is; where it may accumulate; and the symptoms of CO poisoning. To protect yourself, your passengers, and those around you, learn all you can about CO.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced when a carbon-based fuel-such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil-burns. Sources on your boat may include engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters.
Why is it so dangerous?
Carbon monoxide (CO) enters your bloodstream through the lungs, blocking the oxygen your body needs. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very quick exposure to high concentrations can kill you.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness. They are often confused with seasickness or intoxication, so those affected may not receive the medical attention they need.
Altitude, certain health-related problems, and age will increase the effects of CO. Persons who smoke or are exposed to high concentrations of cigarette smoke, consume alcohol, or have lung disorders or heart problems are particularly susceptible to an increase in the effects from CO. However, anyone can be affected. Another factor to consider is that physical exertion accelerates the rate at which the blood absorbs CO.
Emergency Treatment for CO Poisoning
CO poisoning or toxicity is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. The following is a list of things that should be done if CO poisoning is suspected. Proceed with caution. The victim may be in an area of high CO concentration, which means you or others could in danger from exposure to CO.
• Evaluate the situation and ventilate the area if possible.
• Evacuate the area and move affected person(s) to a fresh air environment.
• Observe the victim(s).
• Administer oxygen, if available.
• Contact medical help. If the victim is not breathing, perform rescue breathing or approved cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as appropriate, until medical help arrives. Prompt action can mean the difference between life and death.
• Shut off potential sources of CO, if possible. Correct ventilation problems and/or repair exhaust problems as appropriate. Investigate the source of CO and take corrective action, such as evacuating and ventilating the area or shutting off the source of the CO, while at the same time evacuating and ventilating the area.
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Contact me for any questions you may have regarding your insurance
Mike Spicer / 714-255-5650 / mike@allcountyins.com
