In Duchesne County, Utah, a family gathering for an early Thanksgiving celebration at a rental cabin faced a critical situation when 19 of its members were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning.
The incident occurred at Six Lakes Lodge on November 18, 2023, as the family, which included young children and infants, started to exhibit signs of carbon monoxide exposure.
The emergency call was made to the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. The family had begun to feel sick the previous evening. Altamont Fire Department, along with ambulances from Altamont and Roosevelt, arrived at the scene, detecting elevated carbon monoxide levels inside the cabin.
Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, is produced from burning fuels like natural gas, propane, gasoline, or wood. In this case, it was suspected that the gas was built up due to inadequate ventilation or a malfunctioning appliance. Altamont Fire Chief Josh Phillips pinpointed the utility room in the basement as the primary source of the high carbon monoxide levels.
The issue first became apparent when an 11-month-old baby showed signs of lethargy and paleness, leading to immediate hospitalization. Following this, a 12-year-old girl was found unresponsive. Family members Jade and Cassidee Smith described to KUTV how they felt weak and nearly fainted before realizing the danger.
All 19 individuals were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, with blood tests confirming high levels of the gas. They underwent two and a half hours of hyperbaric oxygen treatment, a treatment known for effectively removing carbon monoxide from the body and reducing the risk of long-term neurological damage.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms range from headaches and dizziness to confusion and loss of consciousness, and can lead to severe outcomes like coma or death. Vulnerable groups include infants, the elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions.
The incident underscores the necessity of carbon monoxide detectors in homes and rental accommodations. Despite having batteries, the detector in the cabin was not functional, highlighting the importance of regular checks and maintenance. Preventative measures also involve ensuring proper ventilation for fuel-burning appliances and installing reliable detectors.
Dave Nelson, a spokesperson for Six Lakes Lodge, confirmed that while the site was cleared, the exact cause of the incident was still under investigation. He assured that other properties had been inspected and were free from similar risks.
