A half-dozen children and three adults living in a three-story home in Wilmington were rescued by city firefighters Friday after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the Wilmington Fire Department, personnel were dispatched just before 12:30 p.m. to 900 N. Madison St. after receiving a carbon monoxide alarm.
When firefighters arrived, they “quickly” searched the apartments, where they found the nine people. The department said they needed “immediate medical attention.”
All six kids were taken to Nemours Children’s Hospital, while two adults were taken to Wilmington Hospital. A third adult declined additional medical treatment.
The fire department said while the status of the patients isn’t currently available, they were able to determine that the carbon monoxide came from a gas-powered pressure washer that was being used in the basement of the home.
In areas of the residence, firefighters found carbon monoxide readings of over 500 parts per million, which can be fatal if a person is exposed for several hours.
Firefighters ventilated the home and the Wilmington Fire Marshal’s office is investigating. The city’s Department of Licenses and Inspection is also looking into the incident.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, chest pain and shortness of breath. Anyone who experiences this while inside should immediately gather family members and pets, go outside, and call 911.
For information on carbon monoxide detectors, residents can contact the fire marshal’s office at (302) 576-3120.
Got a tip? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_
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