CARLE PLACE, NY - Approximately 20 people were rushed to the hospital on Friday at 4 in the morning, for inhaling high levels of carbon monoxide in one of Carle Place's busiest establishments, Dunkin' Donuts. The aftermath could have been worse if Long Island medic, whose name was not disclosed, has not stopped by for a cup of coffee.
The medic's clothing was installed with a carbon-monoxide detector that alerted him to the high level of this poisonous gas within the area. Carbon monoxide is difficult to detect since it is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and initially non-irritating, but can cause fatalities with prolonged exposure. The medic immediately escorted everyone outside and everyone was more than happy to rush out. He also contacted the local fire department, which, in turn, was very quick to respond.
Nassau police investigation revealed that the cause of the elevated CO level was a failing vent in one of the ovens. It was found out that the carbon-monoxide level within the establishment was at 35 parts per million. At this much gas concentration, people who are exposed will suffer from headache and dizziness six to eight hours from exposure. Initial treatment is to immediately remove the people from the exposure and to administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation to those who lost consciousness.
Fortunately, no one was injured.
However, a Long Island fatality due to CO poisoning, three months before this accident was averted, was remembered. Steven Nelson, manager of Long Island's Legal Seafood restaurant in Walt Whitman shopping center, died from prolonged exposure to this toxic gas. Officials who were assigned to his investigation disclosed that the cause of death was carbon monoxide inhalation from a water heater's leaking pipe.
In addition to Nelson's death, on that very same month, there were also two dozen casualties who were rushed to the hospital due to another incident of carbon monoxide poisoning in Huntington Station.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
