120 Chapter Three
carbon, such as gasoline, diesel oil, alco hol,
natural gas, propane, or charcoal.
Magnitude of the Risk
Boat engines, cabin heaters, generators, and
galley stoves produce carbon monoxide.
One expert estimated that a marine engine
could produce 188 times the CO of an automotive
engine. In the absence of a breeze,
CO levels on transom swim platforms over
engines can cause unconsciousness in minutes.
A station wagon effect while underway
can draw exhaust and CO into the boat
cockpit unless there is a free flow of air front
to back through the boat (Figure 11-5).
Extremely toxic even in small quantities,
carbon monoxide can combine with
the blood 250 times as readily as oxygen
and will accumulate in the blood over a
long period of time. CO levels build and
remain in the bloodstream for hours after
exposure; re-exposure even after a period
of time in clean air can build levels in the
bloodstream.
• It is often impossible to detect carbon
monoxide before it overcomes a victim,
who is then too weak to escape or summon
help.
• Although carbon monoxide in itself has
no telltale odor, it may mix with other
gases that do have an odor.
• The odor of exhaust fumes almost guarantees
the pres ence of carbon monoxide.
• The most prevalent source of carbon
monoxide is exhaust from engines
and generators. But be aware—carbon
monoxide fumes can accumulate in
areas away from the exhaust source.
• Breaks, cracks, or leaks in exhaust systems
are the most fre quent conditions leading
to fatalities, accord ing to the American
Boat and Yacht Council.
• Related to this is the exhaust from a boat’s
engines. The forward motion of the boat
cre ates a back draft at the stern that pulls
the exhaust into the cockpit or cabin (Figure
11-5).
• When you detect this exhaust, open windshields
and portholes to create a draft
through the boat so that fumes will exit.
Early Symptoms
The symptoms of mild carbon monoxide
poisoning are nearly the same as seasickness,
colds, and flu (Table 11-4).
• Nausea, weakness, dizziness, headache
• Ringing in the ears and watering of eyes
• Often a cherry-red coloring to the skin
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause:
• Lightheadedness or headache with minimal
amount
• Drowsiness
• Unconsciousness at moderate levels
• Death
Severe poisoning can result in brain or heart
damage or death.
Treatment
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning,
get medical help at once. Give supplementary
oxygen if available.
• The concern is over residual effects and
time to reduce levels in the bloodstream.
• Get victim to breathe large quantities of
fresh air.
• If breathing has stopped, start rescue
breathing immediately.
• Watch for a relapse.
• Victims often respond quickly but colFigure
11-5. “Kill Zone” lapse later.
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