Florida Hospital Orlando (see more articles like this)

WHAT:   Carbon monoxide.  It’s called the silent killer.  During the four major hurricanes that struck Florida last year, six deaths and 167 non-fatal unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings were reported, according to the new national Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Florida Hospital treated 72 of these patients, more than any other hospital in the state, in its 12-person hyperbaric oxygen chamber, the largest civilian multi-place hyperbaric oxygen chamber in Florida.  On Monday, July 25, 2005, Florida Hospital doctors who treated these patients and contributed to the MMWR report will hold a press conference with Progress Energy to discuss the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of proper generator use.

WHY: This hurricane season has already produced several tropical storms, including three that became major hurricanes.  Power outages that occur after hurricanes create an urgent need for interim power supplies such as generators, and sales of portable generators are on the rise.  Proper generator use and early recognition of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are critical to prevent the unnecessary injuries and deaths Floridians suffered last year.