Detecting the Invisible Killer

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Each year in the US, carbon monoxide poisoning claims lives and sends thousands to hospital emergency rooms. The latest data from the Virginia Department of fire programs reports 20 carbon monoxide incidents in York County. The number of cases could be higher because many incidents go unreported, particularly by seniors. According to the CDC, adults age 65 and older have the highest rate of death from carbon monoxide poisoning. This higher rate has been attributed to seniors being unaware of the symptoms caused by exposure to high levels of CO and associating these symptoms with the normal aging process. To ensure that seniors living in York County are protected from carbon monoxide poisoning, the York County Department of Community Services developed the “Detecting the Invisible Killer” program. The program provided education on CO and training on using a carbon monoxide detector. At the conclusion of the presentations, carbon monoxide alarms were distributed. In addition, training and alarms were provided to homebound seniors. At their requests, staff would make home visits to install the detector.