Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at a Motel

Abstract

One man died and four other persons required hospitalization following accidental exposure to carbon monoxide at a motel. In spite of prompt diagnosis of the index cases, a search for the source of exposure and for other possible victims was delayed more than ten hours. Subsequent investigation revealed that air conditioning units drew carbon monoxide from the gas heaters for the motel's indoor swimming pools into three adjacent guest rooms through structural defects in the walls. Emergency care providers must remember that in environmental exposures, other persons may continue to be at risk, and efforts must be made to identify them.