St. David's HealthCare

St. David's HealthCare is one of the largest health systems in Texas and Austin's third-
largest private employer, with more than 60 sites throughout Central Texas, including
seven hospitals, four urgent care centers, four ambulatory surgery centers, and two
freestanding emergency departments, with a third set to open in Bastrop this summer.

St. David's HealthCare has a long history of serving the residents of Central Texas
with exceptional medical care. Our 7,500 employees touch over 858,000 lives each
year with a spirit of warmth, friendliness and personal pride.

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3 Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

As the winter months bring freezing temperatures, we often turn to supplemental heat sources like space heaters.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is a byproduct of combustion from space heaters, wood burning stoves, electrical generators, faulty furnaces, propane fueled equipment, and gasoline powered tools.

Common signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
  • Headache
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Dizziness 
  • Confusion
  • Chest Pain
  • Palpitations
  • Syncope
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Seizure
  • Coma
While the treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is complex and beyond the scope of this blog, the key is prevention and early recognition of symptoms.

Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

  1. Ensure adequate ventilation around potential carbon monoxide sources.
  2. Install a carbon monoxide detector. These devises are widely available, are relatively inexpensive, and are just as important as smoke detectors to protect you and your family.
  3. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel you have been exposed to a carbon monoxide source and have developed signs and symptoms of poisoning. A simple blood test can be used to determine exposure.

Jim Cretella, M.D.
Department of Emergency Medicine
St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center
St. David’s Round Rock Urgent Care

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