Branford Fire: Barge Worker Overcome by Carbon Monoxide Fumes

Upon arrival our units found a male party who had been working inside a work barge owned by Fischer Excavating. 

The male worker was apparently welding inside the metal barge and was overcome by carbon monoxide. 

The worker had been removed from the barge and was disoriented and confused upon fire department arrival. 

Paramedics from Medic-1, Rescue-2, and Engine-1 quickly attended to the individual administering oxygen and other medical aid, and transported the worker to Yale New Haven Hospital. 

Deputy Chief John Masci said the medics did an excellent job and the individual became much more aware and his condition improved on the way to the Hospital. 

Deputy Chief Masci alerted Connecticut OSHA as this was a work related incident and they sent a representative to the scene. 

The Branford Fire Marshal’s Office also responded to the scene and an investigation is ongoing. 

Chief Ahern stated that it appears the worker was working within the confined interior space of the barge without proper ventilation. 

He noted his partner recognized his peril and was key to removing him from the noxious environment. 

Fire Department personnel had readings of 30ppm of carbon monoxide within the hull of the barge which is enough to cause serious illness and even death.