JAKARTA - Sad news came from Solok Regency, West Sumatra. The happy moment of the newlyweds ended in tragedy after his wife died allegedly due to carbon monoxide (CO) gas poisoning from a water heater in the bathroom where the inn was in the public spotlight.
A young couple, Cindy and Gilang, came to Solok to enjoy their honeymoon. But that happiness immediately turned into disaster. From the information circulating, Cindy was found unconscious in the bathroom. While her husband, Gilang also fainted at the scene.
Both of them were rushed to the nearest health center. Unfortunately, Cindy's life could not be saved, while Gilang was still undergoing intensive treatment at the hospital. The police are currently investigating the exact cause of the incident, including checking the condition of the water heater suspected of being the source of the gas leak.
Cases like those experienced by Cindy and Gilang are not new. Many similar incidents occur without realizing it because carbon monoxide (CO) gas is a silent killer. This gas has no smell, color, or taste, so the victim usually doesn't know it's being exposed to severe conditions.
Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page, carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when too much gas enters the blood and replaces oxygen in red blood cells. As a result, the body lacks the oxygen needed for vital organs such as the brain and heart. If exposure lasts a long time, the impact can be fatal. Starting from permanent brain damage to death.
Carbon monoxide gas can come from various sources, such as burning fuel in a closed room. For example, water heaters, gas stoves, charcoal, or motorized vehicles that are lit in a closed garage.
Frequently Unrecognized Symptoms
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often similar to mild flu without fever, so many people don't notice it.
The signs include headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred views, sleepiness and loss of balance.
In severe condition, victims can lose consciousness and even die without having time to ask for help. Those who are sleeping or under the influence of alcohol or sedatives are at greater risk because the body is unable to respond to danger signs.
After recovering, some victims can still experience further effects, such as memory disorders, personality changes, or difficulty moving due to damage to the brain.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide gas poisoning, for example after turning on a water heater, generator, or a fuel device in a closed room, immediately go out to an open place to breathe fresh air. If someone is unconscious or has difficulty breathing, immediately call emergency services to get medical help as soon as possible.
Prevention
Cases like what happened to Cindy and Gilang can serve as a reminder to many people the importance of maintaining the safety of heating and air ventilation tools. Some simple steps that can be done are:
1. Make sure the ventilation of the room is good, especially in the bathroom or the kitchen that uses the gas.
2. Check water heaters and gas fuel equipment regularly by professional technicians.
3. Don't use a stove or charcoal to warm a closed room.
4. Install a carbon monoxide detector at home or inn to detect leakage early on.
5. Immediately get out of the room if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or short of breath after using a water heater or gas stove.
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