We talked to first responders after they saved a woman and her dog who were found unresponsive in a camper-trailer on Friday.
The Frederic Township Fire Department, along with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control, responded to the Goose Creek Horse Campground on Manistee River Road.
“There’s no telling how long she was unresponsive, but it was probably for a good hour or better as well,” said Fire Captain Allen Ballard.
Ballard said a propane heater leaking carbon monoxide was likely the cause.
“We always encourage people, do not use space heaters in campers. Don’t use your generators in enclosed spaces as well. Those are very dangerous situation for them.”
Ballard said the department had trained for carbon monoxide emergencies and pet rescues just one day before the call came in. Carbon monoxide poisoning as cold weather approaches and people turn on their heaters.
“It was right on the forefront of everybody’s mind because this time of year, this is what happens,” said Ballard. “We have chimney fires. [People] turn their furnaces on for the first time.”
Both the woman and dog were given CPR. The Frederic Township Fire Department is even equipped with an animal oxygen delivery system.
“When we hear a CEO alarm or a carbon monoxide call, we grab that equipment and take it with us to the call, because carbon monoxide is heavier than air and it goes down [where pets are],” Ballard said.
The woman and dog were taken to the hospital and received further care. The woman was airlifted to Grand Rapids and her dog was taken to an animal hospital in Traverse City.
Captain Ballard reminded everyone that the end of daylight saving time is a great chance to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while you’re setting your clocks back an hour.
He said carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every three to five years.