A man in his fifties died of carbon monoxide poisoning last Tuesday in Saint-Saulve, near Valenciennes. In France, nearly a hundred people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, mainly during the heating season.
Saint-Saulve resident dies of carbon monoxide
Last Tuesday, the firefighters went to rue Jean Jaurès after being warned that the occupants of the housing did not respond to calls from their relatives. Once there, the emergency services discovered the body of a person who had already died. Another person was present, who was directly hospitalized following several ailments.
Firefighters noted traces of carbon monoxide in the home that could explain the death and the illnesses. Often frequent in winter, carbon monoxide poisoning is sometimes associated with restarting heating equipment. It is a painless and odorless gas, which can come from a poor supply of fresh air or an insufficient evacuation of the combustion products present in the heaters.
The right reflexes to adopt to avoid intoxication
Some signs should alert immediately, especially headaches, vomiting, fatigue or fainting. As soon as the first symptoms are noticed, it is necessary to react quickly. The first thing to do is to open the windows and doors of the accommodation. It is also essential to turn off heating and cooking appliances.
The National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (Inpes) advises leave the accommodation and call for help (at 112, 18 or 15). It is preferable to wait for their agreement before returning home.
