Crime & Safety

St. Philip School Principal Hospitalized For CO Poisoning

Incident highlights importance of CO detectors in the home.

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St. Phillip School Principal Darlene Walsh, her husband and son remain hospitalized after suffering carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning at their East Greenwich home March 1 as the community prays for their quick recovery. 

Father Frank Santilli, pastor at St. Phillip Church in Greenville, called East Greenwich Police March 1, asking them to check on Walsh, who hadn't shown up for work that day according to a report from Turnto10.com.

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Santilli's call likely saved the Walsh family's lives, as police arrived at the Walsh's home at 170 Watch Hill Road in East Greenwich , according to an East Greenwich Patch report. All three were suffering from disorientation, vomiting, respiratory problems and lethargy.

"Everyone is prayerful and hopeful and going about their business hoping that she's going to be OK, said Santilli Wednesday morning. He said they don't have word yet on when Walsh might be able to return to work. Santilli said Walsh and her husband, originally admitted to Kent Hospital, have been transferred to RI Hospital. Their son remains at Kent, according to the hospital.

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On St. Philip School's Facebook page, school officials updated students and parents on the family's condition. "Mr. & Mrs. Walsh have responded well to treatments and are in stable condition. Their son Rick remains in a more serious condition. Their daughter Allison has been a rock in handling this family crisis. Amazingly, their dog Haylie suffered minor effects from the carbon monoxide and is anxiously awaiting her families return home! Please keep your prayers coming!," the update reads.

The East Greenwich Fire Department used a meter to record CO levels in the Walsh home, recording a reading of 800 to 1,000 parts per million in the basement. According to EG Fire Chief Peter Henrikson, 35 parts per million can cause headaches, 100 parts per million can be dangerous.

"I think people are relieved that the outcome wasn't worse," Santilli said.

Smithfield Fire Chief Bob Seltzer has warned local readers of the dangers of CO poisoning in his safety blog on Smithfield Patch, and provided tips on avoiding it:

  • Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, coal stoves, space heaters and portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year.
  • Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace.  
  • Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.
  • If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice or other materials. The CO gas might kill people and pets.
  • Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.  

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