Giswil campsite
26 injured in carbon monoxide accident – ”it quickly became clear that a large contingent was required”
Late on Saturday evening, several people in Giswil suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning. 17 people had to go to hospital.
On Saturday evening, a closed group had dinner in a cathedral tent at the campsite in giswil. Around 10:30 p.m., several people suddenly became unconscious or complained of being sick, Canton Obwalden police said on Sunday. The group of 35 people immediatly went for some fresh air.
According to initial investigations, there was an excessive accumulation of carbon monoxide (CO) in the tent during the evening, which led to carbon monoxide poisoning in several people, according to the police statement. According to police, 26 people were injured in the incident, and 17 people had to be taken to hospital.
Two rescue helicopters in action
The rescue workers responded to the scene with a large contingent. In addition to the first responders and the Giswil fire department, rescue services from Obwalden, Nidwalden, Bern, Lucerne, Schwyz, Zug and Zurich as well as two rescue helicopters were on duty. obwalden cantonal police were also on the scene with several patrols.
“The first unconscious person was suspected to have a circulatory problem.”
According to the first responder* on duty in Giswil, most of the injured people who had to be taken to the hospital are now able to return home. No one was seriously injured. The first responder says he was called in by the 144 rescue service as one of the local first responders “after the first person fell. A circulatory problem was suspected. However, we quickly realized on the spot that this was a bigger event. Together with the rescue service, we decided that a large contingent was needed.”
The affected participants were given extra care at dinner in the warmth of the restaurant, which is part of the campsite.Some were given oxygen. The first respondent suggests that the participants at the dinner responded very well.
Accidents involving carbon monoxide happen again and again. In January 2018, a couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a camper van, also in Giswil. In the same year, nine people who attended a birthday party in Flühli had to be hospitalized with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The party was held in a heated garage with patio heaters.
*Editor’s name known.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Carbon Monoxide Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day! Today, we’re discussing a recent incident that occurred at a campsite in Giswil where 26 individuals were injured due to carbon monoxide poisoning. To help us understand the implications of this tragic event and how to prevent such occurrences in the future, we have Dr. Lisa Meyer,an expert in environmental health and safety. Welcome, Dr. Meyer!
Dr. Lisa Meyer: Thank you for having me!
Editor: To start, can you briefly explain what carbon monoxide is and why it poses such a risk, especially in enclosed spaces like tents?
Dr. Meyer: Absolutely. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when fuels burn. In enclosed spaces, like a tent without proper ventilation, CO can accumulate quickly, leading to poisoning. When inhaled,it interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen,which can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to unconsciousness and,in severe cases,death.
Editor: That’s alarming. The article mentions that a group of 35 people suddenly became sick while dining in a cathedral tent. What are some common sources of carbon monoxide in these outdoor settings?
dr. Meyer: In outdoor camping scenarios, common sources of carbon monoxide can include gas-powered heaters, stoves, or generators. Even portable charcoal grills used for cooking can emit hazardous levels of CO if used in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. It’s crucial for campers to ensure adequate ventilation and to be aware of these risks before lighting any fuel-burning device.
Editor: It sounds like ventilation is key. What should campsite operators and groups do to mitigate these risks?
Dr. Meyer: Site operators must ensure that any cooking or heating appliances are used in properly ventilated areas, preferably outdoors. They should also provide guidelines for campers about the dangers of CO.For groups, installing CO detectors in tents or using battery-operated alarms can provide an extra safety measure. Education on recognizing CO poisoning symptoms is equally significant so that individuals can act quickly if someone is in distress.
Editor: The article states that “it quickly became clear that a large contingent was required” for the emergency response. How critical is a swift response in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning?
dr. Meyer: A rapid response is crucial. When someone shows signs of CO poisoning — such as confusion or loss of consciousness — every minute counts. The body can suffer severe damage or even death if not treated immediately. It’s critically important for individuals to seek fresh air and get emergency medical assistance right away. Emergency responders need to be trained to recognize and manage such scenarios effectively.
Editor: given the serious nature of this incident,what lessons can we take away to promote safer camping practices moving forward?
Dr. Meyer: First and foremost, awareness and education are vital. Campsite operators and campers alike should be informed about the risks associated with carbon monoxide. providing training, ensuring adequate ventilation, and maintaining the correct use of heating devices are crucial steps. prioritizing the installation of CO detectors can be life-saving. Implementing these measures can help prevent future incidents like the one in Giswil.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Meyer, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that while camping can be a wonderful experience, safety must always come first. We hope that this tragic event will serve as a wake-up call to enhance awareness and preventive measures across camping sites.
Dr. Meyer: Thank you for having me. Let’s work together to ensure safer outdoor experiences for everyone!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay safe and informed!