Just after 0900 hours, Engine 11 and Ambulance 19 along with other units were dispatched to 5600 block of 38th Avenue for working code. Shortly after the initial dispatch, the call was upgraded adding additional units for the possible CO exposure. Initially, 3 members from Hyattsville with a medic made entry on air with a CO monitor to investigate and search of the home for victims and for the source of the CO.
Unfortunately, three male victims were located on the second floor deceased from CO exposure. A running gasoline powered generator was found in the basement of the house as the house did not have any electric service. It was determined there were upwards of 300 parts per million (PPM) of CO inside the home. Anything over 35 PPM is considered unhealthy.
Update: Today at 1300 hours over 15 volunteers from the HVFD and the College Park Volunteer Fire Department along with PGFEMS Command Staff, canvased the neighborhood around the 5600 blk of 38th Av, knocking on doors and handing out flyers making the neighborhood aware of the dangers of using appliances that produce CO gas indoors and the need to have a CO monitor as well as functioning smoke detectors in all homes.
