A terrifying incident unfolded at a daycare in Maine, leaving seven toddlers hospitalized after carbon monoxide poisoning.
Daycare incident: The start of the nightmare
The Kittery Fire Department was called to Building Blocks Learning Center around 3:19 p.m. on Wednesday. Staff reported that children were experiencing headaches and nausea. Authorities were quick to respond. A total of 27 children and 10 staff members were at the daycare at the time of the leak.
The first response: Quick action saves lives
The daycare workers acted fast. They called 911 after noticing alarming symptoms in the children. Seven toddlers and four adults were taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire. Thankfully, they were all in fair condition, according to reports. Seven patients were transported by ambulance, while four arrived via the emergency department.
Danger detected: A hidden killer
Fire officials soon confirmed what everyone feared. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide were found inside the daycare. “We saw over 10 times the acceptable amount of carbon monoxide,” said Kittery Fire Chief Craig Alfis. The building’s owner suspects construction work caused the leak, mentioning that a subcontractor was cutting concrete in a commercial space nearby.
Investigation underway: Fire marshal looks for answers
Maine Fire Marshal Shawn Esler is now investigating the cause. He plans to check the daycare’s appliances to ensure they are safe and see if a carbon monoxide alarm was in place. “We’ll test everything to make sure it’s safe,” he said. It’s unclear what led to this terrifying leak, but experts are looking into every possibility.
Quick recovery: Most are sent home
By 7:00 p.m., nine patients had been released from the hospital. One child and one adult remained in the emergency department but were expected to recover soon. Local emergency room doctor Marc Grossman expressed concern, especially for the younger children. “Kids can be impacted disproportionately. They breathe faster, and their lungs are smaller,” he said.
A hidden threat: The dangers of carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide, often called the “invisible killer,” is a serious danger lurking in many homes and businesses. The gas sends over 100,000 people to the ER each year in the U.S. Once levels of carbon monoxide rise above 70 parts per million, symptoms of poisoning can appear. This includes dizziness, confusion, and even long-term neurological damage.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often resemble the flu. Victims may experience headaches, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. These signs can quickly worsen if exposure continues.
What to do: Stay safe in case of a leak
If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, immediate action is crucial. Leave the building right away and call the fire department. If possible, turn off the source of the leak and seek medical help. Time is of the essence when dealing with carbon monoxide poisoning.
