Kuttawa, Ky.–All three occupants of a cargo trailer have been admitted to the hospital after carbon monoxide in Lyon County, Ky. Kuttawa Fire Department officials said this is the second carbon monoxide incident in their response area in less than 10 days.
On Sunday morning, the Lyon County EMS was dispatched behind the Days Inn of Kuttawa on a medical call. In a press release, officials said, “Ultimately it was determined that two adults and child had almost certainly been exposed to carbon monoxide. The individuals were sleeping inside a cargo trailer. All indications are that a generator, installed in the trailer by the trailer manufacturer, was running while the occupants were sleeping.”
All three were transported by Lyon EMS to a local hospital.
A photo of the trailer was included in the press release and is posted on the WENK/WTPR website and Facebook pages. The trailer is a “cargo” trailer/toy hauler and not a travel trailer/camper.
Officials said, “Even though cargo trailers like this do sometimes come equipped with generators, air conditioners, bathrooms, etc., the are not intended for use as a unit for sleeping. Campers/travel trailers are built to the RVIA standard (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) and are constructed with the intention of the unit being lived in. As a result multiple safety features are incorporated into their construction such as secondary egress doors or windows, smoke detectors, propane gas detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.”
This cargo trailer, not being a RVIA unit, has none of those safety features incorporated. Another danger in sleeping inside units like this is exposure to the fumes of the fuels used to power the vehicles, ATVs, and other items being hauled.
Officials said, “If you are using a heat source to stay warm in the cargo area there is also risk of fire and potential ignition of any ignitable vapors that might build up. The bottom line is if you are sleeping anywhere that has gas heat or gas operating appliances assure there are carbon monoxide detectors present. Carbon monoxide is a odorless & colorless gas and plays favorites with no one! Please make wise and safe choices where you decide to sleep.”
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