Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #122232

Meghan Butasek, Firefighter, MPH, Charlottesvil Fire Department, 203 Ridge St., Charlottesville, VA 22901, 434-466-4138, butasek@charlottesville.org

Cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning following hurricanes, winter storms and floods have contributed significantly to morbidity and mortality in the population impacted by these disasters. A recent MMWR report following Hurricane Katrina included a total of 51 reported cases from August 29 to September 24. Many times carbon monoxide poisoning will go undetected altogether or its symptoms not recognized until an individual is incapacitated from the exposure.

On a routine basis, the fire service responds to carbon monoxide calls with the proper personal protective equipment and monitoring devices to detect the parts per million of CO in the environment. As fire service is directly involved in CO public service calls and emergency incidents in the community, they are best positioned to not only provide early detection but also initiate preventive efforts.

The research for this poster would include a review of epidemiological literature on carbon monoxide poisoning seen in emergency departments, cases related to CO poisoning in fire service publications, a sampling of departmental standard operating procedures on CO incidents, and interviews with fire service personnel involved in post-disaster response. An understanding of the nature and scope of CO exposure post-disaster could provide a basis for the improvement of fire departments' public education efforts and emergency planning strategies. The goal of this research is to formulate recommendations for fire service involvement in prevention and detection of CO poisoning both in routine operations and under disaster response scenarios.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered