With winter and cold weather quickly approaching we in the fire service will inevitably begin to encounter an increase in carbon monoxide alarm responses. This response however routine as it may seem is everything but.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, yet very toxic to humans and animals. It consists of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom, connected by a covalent double bond and a dative covalent bond. It is the simplest oxocarbon, and is an anhydride of formic acid.
Carbon monoxide is produced from the partial oxidation of carbon-containing compounds; it forms when there is not enough oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), such as when operating a stove, gas fueled furnace, fuel space heaters or an internal combustion engine in an enclosed space. Carbon monoxide burns with a blue flame, producing carbon dioxide.
It is important to respond to these emergencies appropriately as with any response. What type of training or procedures do you have in place that you could share with The House of Training to improve the education of firefighters during this season?
