Travis County family airlifted to San Antonio hospital due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – On Thursday, a Travis County family was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The University of Health says the generator is to blame for the family, including two children, falling ill. The hospital adds that it has treated several Texas families for carbon monoxide poisoning this season at its Level I trauma center.

University Health is one of only two hospitals in the state that provides emergency and pediatric hyperbaric care. Hyperbaric chambers use high levels of oxygen to treat carbon monoxide poisoning and other conditions such as burns or wound care.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced when fuel is burned in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas stoves, or ovens.

Carbon monoxide can accumulate indoors and poison people and animals that breathe it in.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

According to the University of Health, carbon monoxide poisoning is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when too much gas replaces the oxygen in a person’s blood.

The CDC reports that the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

The symptoms of CO are often described as “flu-like”. Inhaling large amounts of carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or even death. People who are asleep or drunk can even die from carbon monoxide poisoning before they develop symptoms, according to the CDC.

Who is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the CDC. Babies, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from carbon monoxide.

Each year, the CDC reports that more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not related to fires, more than 100,000 go to the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in my home?

The CDC provides some advice on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, including:

How can I avoid carbon monoxide poisoning from my car?