Carolinas Healthcare System Department of Hyperbaric Medicine
Calendar Year Beginning January 1, 2001
A 28 year old male man from Stanley County was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning due to a suicide attempt. The patient recovered completely and was sent for psychiatric care.
A 50 year old small business owner from Anson County lost consciousness while using a propane floor buffer. Responded well to hyperbaric treatment, but had some minor trouble with speech and concentration that lasted 2-3 weeks after the poisoning.
Three members of a Union County family [2y, 3y, 25y] were poisoned with carbon monoxide by a malfunctioning kerosene heater in their home. Fortunately, their cousin, who is pregnant, had a less severe exposure.
A 19 year old man from Gaston County passed out from carbon monoxide poisoning while working on his car in a closed garage. He was pulled out of the garage by his wife. After hyperbaric treatment, he made a full recovery.
An immigrant family from Surry County was using a charcoal grill indoors for cooking and heating their home. Several family members were poisoned, and two girls [14 and 16 years old] lost consciousness. The two girls were treated with hyperbaric oxygen at CMC, while the rest of the family was treated with oxygen at an outlying hospital. All have recovered fully.
A 31 year old man from Alexander County passed out and probably had a seizure from carbon monoxide poisoning from working on his truck in a closed garage. The patient had attached an exhaust pipe vent leading to the outside, but was still poisoned. Blood tests showed mild heart damage, but he went on to have a full recovery.