Ice storm: Death from carbon monoxide poisoning north of Montreal

Premier Legault announcing that a man died from carbon monoxide poisoning and telling people to be careful.

A 75-year-old man in Saint-Joseph-Du-Lac, north of Montreal, was running a generator in his garage.

Insp. Jean Philippe Labbe says the man’s wife found him unconscious and he died after being taken to hospital.

He says firefighters determined carbon monoxide levels in the garage were 20 times the norm.

“Carbon monoxide doesn’t have any colour or any odour. So you have to be very vigilant,” Chantal Comeau, head of communications, Urgences-santé.

More than 60 people had to be evaluated in Montreal and Laval in connection with carbon monoxide poisoning since Wednesday, while hundreds of thousands of Quebecers are still without electricity following the ice storm.

According to a report Friday morning by Urgences-santé, which serves the territories of the islands of Montreal and Laval, 38 people were examined by first responders in Montreal during 17 interventions since the beginning of the power outages.

In Laval, 24 people were evaluated for carbon monoxide poisoning during nine interventions.

In total, out of the 62 patients assessed, 43 people were transported to hospital.

“Well, you know, in a situation like this, it’s not something that happens very often. So people I tend to be sometimes are creative and they try to find a different solution. So what we encourage people to do is always do research before using any device in other ways that they usually use them and to be extremely careful,” said Comeau.

“If you experience any symptoms and you’re not sure, you can always call 811 to talk to a nurse in order to get medical advice. And and in any situation where you take your life may be in danger call 911 right away.”

Carbon monoxide is a particularly malignant gas, since it is colourless and odorless. However, it can be very dangerous, since it can take the place of oxygen in the blood.

On Thursday, the Department of Public Safety actually reminded people on Twitter about the importance of not using fuel-burning appliances indoors, even if a power outage is prolonged.

“If you use a generator, place it outside in a ventilated area and away from doors and windows,” it also recommended.

“Never heat with gas-powered appliances such as a stove, space heater, camping heater or barbecue. In the event of a prolonged outage in cold weather, check to see if your municipality has planned for places to stay where you can go to ensure your safety,” the Quebec government added.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 7, 2023.