Hawthorn family rushed to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning

Two plumbers are under investigation after a building bungle in a Hawthorn home saw a family of four rushed to hospital with near-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

A family of four were rushed to Box Hill Hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Two plumbers are under investigation after a building bungle in a Hawthorn home saw a family of four rushed to hospital with near-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is believed an incorrectly-installed pool heater flue leaked carbon monoxide into a Hawthorn home, causing the family to fall seriously ill.

Two adults and two children were rushed to Box Hill Hospital when they began losing consciousness at a Robinson Rd property on November 15 at 8am.

Firefighters later assessed the property and atmospheric tests came back as positive for carbon monoxide.

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Crews remained on scene for about three hours until the house was deemed safe.

Metropolitan Fire Brigade commander Anthony McCoy said it was a close call for the Hawthorn family.

“It’s a timely reminder for all community members to ensure gas appliances are properly installed and maintained,” he said.

Victoria Building Authority spokeswoman Karen Lyon said the investigation was ongoing and that incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning were rare.

Nine Victorians have died from inhaling the toxic gas in the past decade.

“Reporting of carbon monoxide incidents has remained steady in recent years,” Ms Lyon said.

“The VBA currently requires all 21,000 of the state’s gasfitters to complete an online learning module confirming that they understand the best methods to use when testing for carbon monoxide spillage and negative air pressure — more than 14,000 practitioners have already completed this course.”

Energy Safety director Paul Fearon said the incident highlighted the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning due to its symptoms commonly misdiagnosed as the flu.

“Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea are common,” he said.

“Always seek medical advice if more than one person in the household, or pets, are suffering similar symptoms.”

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