Two people rushed to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning in WA

Caleb Runciman
The Nightly
A home on Reddy Court in Westminster where an incident of carbon monoxide poisoning happened earlier today. Michael Wilson
A home on Reddy Court in Westminster where an incident of carbon monoxide poisoning happened earlier today. Michael Wilson Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

A couple who were trying to stay warm by using a charcoal heater in a bedroom has been rushed to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

St John WA received a triple-0 call around 12.30pm on Tuesday before at least five ambulances rushed to the scene.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said the incident was initially reported as a HAZMAT incident on Reddy Crescent before it was discovered that charcoal had been burning in an unventilated bedroom — leaving a man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

The couple were both transported to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital by ambulance with serious injuries.

DFES acting Swan district officer Luke Miles told media it is believed mother and father had been using the burner overnight to stay warm.

“For a long period of time, they’ve been exposed to potential carbon monoxide poisoning,” he said.

“Unfortunately for the family, they located the two adults and called triple-0 at that point.”

Firefighters have conducted searches of the home and have since deemed the area to be safe.

WA Police were also in attendance and have since taped off the home. The incident is not believed to be suspicious, but likely a sad reminder of the lengths families have to go to keep warm during the cost of living crisis.

Perth hit a low of 3.4 degrees on Tuesday morning around 5am, which comes after a string of shivering mornings this week.

On Monday, Perth fell to a frosty 2.4 degrees about 5am.

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 11-10-2024

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 11 October 202411 October 2024

How the secrets of a fallen music mogul could change the world.