On April 11th, at 2:50 P.M., the Cornelius Fire Department was dispatched to a reported unconscious patient at the Valley View Mobile Home Park on SW Tualatin Valley Highway. Medical crews arrived and found the patient partially conscious in a RV trailer. The patient was removed from the trailer and evaluated in an ambulance. Based on reports from bystanders, medical crews evaluated the patients carbon monoxide level in their bloodstream. According to officials, a carbon monoxide level of 15 in the blood warrants the patient being transported to the hospital. The patient in this incident had a level of 55. The patient needed specialty care at a Portland hospital, but due to weather damage closing Highway 26 into Portland, a Life Flight Network helicopter was used to transport the patient.
Neighbors noticed the propane powered generator turned on in the middle of the night when power went out for the trailer park, this power outage is likely due to the snow. Once power was restored late in the morning/early afternoon, the same neighbors noticed that the generator was still running. They became worried and went to check on the patient and found them unconscious, they immediately called 911. It was found that the exhaust pipe for the generator exits from the bottom of the RV. But there was skirting around the RV and likely didn’t allow the exhaust to freely vent into open air. This buildup of exhaust and carbon monoxide filled the RV. It is unknown how long the patient was exposed to carbon monoxide.
If using generators during a power outage, make sure they have proper ventilation to the outside and never operate them in any enclosed area. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, thus preventing it from being noticed. All houses should have a working carbon monoxide detector if natural gas, propane, wood burning or if a garage is attached to the structure.
Cornelius Fire Department was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Metro West Ambulance, Life Flight Network and Washington County Sheriffs Office.
