Laken: 2 Adults Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Laken (Eurotoday) – Two adults in Laken went to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning on January 24, 2025. Emergency responder teams immediately reached the victims to give immediate medical aid. CO poisoning Emergency services responded to two adults who fell ill during winter.

The emergency team sent two adults to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms that included headache and dizziness. Emergency personnel reacted instantly to the scene after it occurred. Medical personnel found the two adults unresponsive inside their house. After regaining consciousness, they had symptoms of headache along with dizziness with CO poisoning.

Fire emergency responders reached the location after getting an urgent alert by phone from the citizens of the area. Upon arriving at the home, firefighters verified high carbon monoxide concentrations before initiating victim evacuations toward receiving care. According to local health officials, the quick resolution of carbon monoxide poisoning saves lives, so residents must know the signs of poisoning and own working carbon monoxide detectors.

“The victims recently had the good idea to install a CO detector, which could have alerted them,”

says fire brigade spokesman Walter Derieuw.

Authorities continue their investigation into the origins of carbon monoxide leaks because faulty heating systems and improper gas appliance usage usually lead to these incidents. Community members now debate about safety protocols as well as heating equipment maintenance frequency inspections. 

“In addition, they had just installed a CO detector that had also gone off,”

says the fire department spokesperson.

“Our teams immediately went to the scene and determined that it was indeed a case of CO poisoning. We were able to treat the two victims on the scene.”

History of CO poisoning

Fossil fuel burning produces colourless carbon monoxide when people use natural gas along with other fuel types, including oil, coal and wood. Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies more than 20,000 individuals who visit emergency rooms from carbon monoxide poisoning across the United States. It is difficult to detect without specialised equipment.

Home heating systems used more often in winter months lead to frequent carbon monoxide incidents inside homes and buildings.

The fire brigade also gives 4 tips to prevent CO poisoning:

“Have a compliant device installed by a certified technician, and have the annual maintenance and mandatory checks carried out. Also, have the exhaust of combustion gases checked and ensure natural ventilation and the supply of fresh air. Install approved CO detectors and react in the event of symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, or sudden fatigue, without endangering yourself. Open the windows, evacuate the people present and ask for assistance from the emergency centre 112.”