Your Carbon Monoxide Detector, and You

Since we’ve reintroduced the CO detectors on the primary response bags there have been some
questions about their use and meaning. To clear up some misconceptions and reinforce the reason
for these devices, here are a few tips:
• If the device alarms and flashes, and KEEPS alarming and flashing, there is a problem!
o The detector is set to monitor several levels of exposure, the most serious of which is a
life-threatening amount of CO in the air around you.
o If the device starts alarming constantly and without break, it means you are in a
hazardous environment and you NEED to GET OUT.
o If you are with a patient and it is possible to get them out, do so, even if it means leaving
some equipment behind until the fire department can arrive to retrieve it.

• If you enter a premise and the alarm chirps, and sounds every thirty seconds to a minute, you
are in a potentially hazardous environment and should get out as soon as practicable.
o In either event above, if not already en route, call the Fire Department via the appropriate
dispatcher. Advise Dispatch that you have a carbon monoxide alarm activation and
what action(s) you are taking.

• If the CO detector is in your rig and is chirping every few minutes, it means something, don’t
just shut it off or reset the alarm.
o While we have given instructions on how to clear these alarms, they are actually
detecting CO in the environment, and it is usually not a malfunction.
o The detectors take a time-weighted average of CO in the air based on an OSHA
standard.

o Although we don’t usually spend 8 hours in a vehicle at a stretch, an 8-hour time-
weighted average alarm means there is CO gas in the patient compartment.

o Look first for a likely cause, such as doing rig checks with the back doors open while
rigs are running, or not hooking up PlymoVents where they are available.
o If there is no reasonable explanation, once you clear the alarm, let a supervisor know.
There may be an exhaust leak in your truck that needs to be addressed.

Bottom Line: These devices are here for your health and safety. Shutting them off because they
make annoying noises only serves to remove a feature that might save your life. If in doubt, contact
the supervisor and submit an ePro ticket if you think the device is faulty.