A baby’s cries in the dead of night turned out to be a lifesaver for her family, alerting them to a serious danger. Typically, when parents hear their little one wailing in the early hours, they might groan in frustration, dreaming of hiring a night nurse to ease their sleep-deprived nights. However, in a remarkable twist of fate, the cries of young Emma saved her entire family from the perils of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Last Friday, Canadian mother Lisa Morgan shared on Facebook that her daughter Emma, who usually wakes only once during the night, stirred a second time, crying uncontrollably. As Lisa attempted to reach her, she was suddenly struck by a wave of vertigo. “My husband, Jake, quickly woke, and we both recognized something was seriously wrong,” Lisa recounted.
Both parents began experiencing symptoms including nausea, dizziness, and burning eyes. They quickly gathered their essentials and fetched Emma from her crib, only to witness her begin to vomit. Alarmingly, their cat collapsed as well. With Jake already having contacted his parents, they arrived promptly and called 911. The whole family was rushed to the hospital where they were treated for carbon monoxide exposure. They were subsequently airlifted to Vancouver for further treatment, undergoing several sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, but thankfully, they are on the road to recovery.
Lisa emphasized the importance of having a functioning carbon monoxide detector in her post: “We are incredibly grateful that Emma woke us up. There were nights we wished she would sleep soundly through the night, but now we see it differently. Our precious baby has saved us all.”
The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly concerning during colder months when malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces and water heaters can leak this odorless gas into homes, often without occupants realizing the danger. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, approximately 170 individuals in the U.S. die annually from non-automotive related carbon monoxide poisoning.
To safeguard your family, investing in a carbon monoxide detector is essential, with prices ranging from about $30 to $60. Regular testing of the device and replacing the batteries biannually is crucial. If you encounter symptoms like headaches or nausea that improve upon leaving your home, it’s vital to have your living space inspected for potential carbon monoxide issues.
The experience of the Morgans is chilling, and it exemplifies the critical role that vigilance and preparedness can play in protecting families from silent threats. Carbon monoxide detectors are not universally mandated, making it imperative for households with fuel-burning appliances to acquire one. This small investment could ultimately save lives.
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Summary
A baby’s cries alert her family to a dangerous carbon monoxide situation, illustrating the critical importance of detectors. The Morgans’ experience underscores the need for vigilance about household safety and the potential risks associated with fuel-burning appliances.