A man and a woman have been rushed to hospital in critical conditions after being exposed to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from burning charcoal.
The couple in their 50s were found unresponsive and unresponsive in the bedroom of their Westminster home in Perth’s north about 12.45pm on Tuesday by their teenage children.
At least five ambulances rushed to the house where the couple were treated by paramedics, including an intensive care team.
The couple were taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital where both are now fighting for their lives.
It is believed charcoal was burning in an unventilated bedroom where the couple had been sleeping and trying to keep warm.
It is also clear that the family recently moved into the house.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services acting district officer Luke Miles said the pair had been exposed to possible carbon monoxide poisoning ‘over a prolonged period’.
“They used (the charcoal) as a heating source in the bedroom … where both victims were,” he told reporters.
A man and a woman in their 50s were rushed to hospital, suspected of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning from burning charcoal. The scene is depicted
Neighbor Misty Simpson (pictured) said ‘there was a terrible smell’ when she went outside
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause a range of symptoms including headaches, nausea and vomiting, while exposure to very high concentrations can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death.
The incident is a timely reminder and a sad reminder for families to be vigilant when using heating equipment to stay warm in the winter.
“The important safety message around that is obviously burning any material in a contained space, (you) need to make sure you have a well-ventilated space,” Mr Miles said.
Shocked residents said Seven news there was no evidence of anything suspicious until ambulances arrived at Reddy Court on Tuesday afternoon.
Neighbor Misty Simpson noticed a “terrible smell” when she went outside to find out why there were multiple emergency responders on the street.
The fire brigade searched the house, which was later cordoned off by the police.
The incident is not being treated as suspicious by authorities at this stage.
The temperature in the area had dropped to 3.4 degrees Celsius around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, having been just 2.4 degrees Celsius 24 hours earlier.
Carbon monoxide is created when fossil fuels burn without enough oxygen. This can happen through gas-powered household appliances, but also through fires and clogged chimneys