Firefighters Recognized For Role Saving Family Poisoned By CO

The Town Council recognized six EG Fire Department personnel at their meeting July 22 for helping to save the lives of three Watch Hill Drive residents poisoned by carbon monoxide May 1. 

Police officers involved in the case were recognized at a meeting in June.

Councilors recognized firefighters Christian Hall, Martin Colombier, and Steve McKeon; lieutenants Mark Amaral and Merton Greene, and Deputy Chief Russell McGillivray for the rescue and transport of three members of the Walsh family on Watch Hill Drive.

From the fire report:

On May 1, 2013, at 11:03 a.m., Engine 2 and Rescue 2 were dispatched to 170 Watch Hill Drive to assist police at a well-being check. Upon arrival, Rescue 2 began treating a patient found unresponsive by the police on the second floor landing. Engine 2 noted an unusual odor and the CO meter was used to check CO levels in the home. An extremely high reading was found and a bedridden patient on the first floor was removed from the house for further evaluation and treatment. During this investigation, a police officer found a third victim in a second floor bedroom who was removed in a joint effot by police and firefighters. Our Rescue 1 and a West Warwick Rescue were called to the scene to assist. All three patients were transported to local hospitals for possible hyperbaric chamber treatment to remove CO from their blood.

The basement was found with CO levels so high they exceeded the limits of the CO meter. All remaining personnel were ordered out of the house for their own safety. The firefighters donned face masks, the heating system was shut down and the house was ventilated.