My appearance on Mike Cohen’s podcast

I’m excited to be a guest on Councillor Mike Cohen’s podcast about my political involvement in the City of Côte Saint-Luc and my continued work in Public Safety / volunteer Citizens on Patrol. Have a listen and I hope you get involved in your community too. Your comments are always appreciated.

Training vCOP to save lives

After a four year hiatus, basic medical training of Cote Saint-Luc volunteer Citizens on Patrol has returned with a new, innovative program.

vCOP is learning to Stop the Bleed, a program designed to train citizens how to stop a person from bleeding to death. Loss of life from severe blood loss can happen in as little as 4-5 minutes so it is critical to control bleeding as soon as possible.

Training in CPR with an AED by my side

Additionally, members were recertified in the use of AEDs, or Automated External Defibrillators. AEDs are widely accessible in public spaces like municipal buildings, shopping malls, sports centres and office buildings. Simple to use, AEDs in conjunction with bystander CPR, or Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation, can save a life, when a person has gone into cardiac arrest.

The Hero in 30 program was also taught. The Hero in 30 Training Course: CPR Without Mouth-to-Mouth Ventilation’ prepares you on how to rapidly respond when a person chokes, collapses suddenly or has cardiac arrest. This 30-minute course teaches a simplified version of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR-AED) technique that does not use mouth-to-mouth ventilation.

The three courses were provided by the CSL Training Academy, part of our Emergency Medical Services (EMS). First responders Joy Rodgers and Louis-Pierre Fournier are excellent instructors who walked our vCOP members through each aspect of the Heimlich Maneuver for a person choking, CPR, AED and bleeding control.

Joy and L-P are CSL EMS volunteers with years of experience in responding to 911 calls. Together with their colleague, Amanda (with new baby in tow), these extraordinary citizens helped train other citizens to be ready to help others. What a beautiful circle of neighbours helping neighbours.

If you would like to help too, consider joining CSL EMS or vCOP or donating to either group. Recruitment sessions will soon be underway.

In the meantime, when you see CSL volunteers passing by in their emergency vehicles, give encouragement by waving hello, giving a thumbs up or saying hello and Thank You. We’re at your service, ready to help and maybe to save your life!

Finally, in an emergency, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Call 911 and ask for help!

vCOP Supervisor Mitchell Herf, EMS instructors L-P Fournier and Joy Rodgers, Glenn J. Nashen

Celebrating Safely in CSL

CSL volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) and volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) first responders were on duty this week ensuring a safe and joyous celebration for Lag B’Omer.

Hundreds were in attendance in Yitzhak Rabin Park on Westminster Avenue.

We’re always looking for new recruits and might have found few new two-wheeled volunteers (in about 10 years).

Chag Sameach.

GoFundMe launched for stricken CSL First Responder

By Joel Goldenberg The Suburban Jan 21, 2023

Clifford Jordan, CSL EMS

An urgent GoFundMe campaign was launched last Thursday for longtime Côte St. Luc Emergency Medical Services (EMS) First Responder Clifford Jordan, who was on life support as of Friday after being stricken with what may be necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease.

“Please donate to help a hero in our community who needs our help now,” CSL Mayor Mitchell Brownstein posted on Facebook.

The campaign, launched by CSL EMS Chief Eddy Afram on behalf of Jordan’s wife Dayanara Brito, has raised nearly $30,000 as of Sunday Jan. 22. Afram explained on the GoFundMe page that on Jan. 13, “while on vacation in Barbados to care for his family, Jordan was found unresponsive and rushed to the hospital.

“From there, a difficult observation was made: it looks like necrotizing fasciitis – commonly called the flesh-eating disease, combined with a potential parasite, which affected his right leg. It had to be amputated. He is currently in the ICU, intubated and extremely unstable. The problem is that to this day, they don’t know exactly what the exact problem is.”

On Friday, Afram posted that while Jordan’s condition improved to the point where an air evacuation plan was possible, “this means an additional financial toll on his family of approximately $100,000.

“Our dear Cliff is still hanging on to life despite being on life support, and for that we’ll keep fighting for him. Our network of professionals at EMS is entirely dedicated to provide him the best care, support and intervention through his insurance. Clifford’s family and coworkers would like to extend their gratitude and love for the incredible response to their cry for help. On a personal note, this unreal story reminds us of how lucky we are to serve such a beautiful community (Côte St. Luc and Montreal West). Cliff, hang in there brother, you’ll soon be home!”

On Saturday, Afram posted that Jordan “remains on life support, but the medical staff in Barbados has begun to increase his level of care. As for his flight, we are still working with his insurance company to arrange a medical evacuation to Canada.”

joel@thesuburban.com

More:

CSL EMS Chief Eddy Afram on Andrew Carter, CJAD, Jan. 23, 2023

GoFundMe campaign: Helping a medic in distress

I’m honoured! At the CSL Golf Classic

After a two-year hiatus the 41st Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic will take place at Meadowbrook Golf Club. CSL council and the CSL Men’s Club will collaborate on the event, with Councillors Mike Cohen and Dida Berku joined by Mannie Young as co-chairs. I will be joined by former councillor Sam Goldbloom as this year’s honourees.

This is a fun and friendly competition. That’s good news for me as I’m not a golfer. In fact, the only time ever ever golfed was several years ago at this same Golf Classic, with my father instructing me on every hole.

As you may know, I served on city council for more than 25 years, and even served as mayor for a short while. I was a key player in the area of public safety, having launched the Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (VCOPs) and championed the volunteer Emergency Medical Services and everything public safety oriented including the first municipal bike helmet bylaw in Canada . I was outspoken on bilingualism and National Unity and worked closely with my friends and colleagues Anthony Housefather, Mitchell Brownstein and the late Ruth Kovac on demerging from Montreal and regaining our City of CSL. My good friend Sam was a councillor for 12 years and co-chaired the Golf Classic on many occasions.

Some of the proceeds will go to the Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund. These donations help disadvantaged families and families with children who have special needs in CSL who cannot afford to register their children in seasonal programs and activities.

I’m proud to still be involved with vCOP and to promote public safety in Cote Saint-Luc and the wider community. As well, I offer my advice to Councillor Mike Cohen as part of his District Advisory Committee.

I’m quite honoured!

Councillor Mike Cohen, Glenn J. Nashen, Sam Goldbloom, Councillor Dida Berku and Mannie Young at Meadowbrook Golf Course

Have a safe evening in CSL

A lovely evening patrolling Cote Saint-Luc on electric scooters. 16 years of volunteer Citizens on Patrol after more than 25 years of shifts at CSL EMS. Happy to serve!

Renewed partnership: Cote Saint-Luc EMS and Urgences Santé

An important partnership was rededicated recently. No ordinary agreement, this handshake will benefit Cote Saint-Luc (CSL) residents more than others. In fact, this one is guaranteed to save a life.

CSL’s all-volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is the only such municipal service to work hand-in-hand with the regional ambulance authority, Urgences Santé, to provide first responder services. Elsewhere, the Montreal Fire Department serves as first responders. CSL benefits from a high quality, professional volunteer emergency service for 9-1-1 health-related calls on its territory.

 Philip Chateauvert, directeur de la Protection civile de la Ville de / City of Côte Saint-Luc, et le président et directeur général par intérim d’Urgences-santé, Mathieu Campbell, CRIA (photo: LinkedIn)

Many CSL residents may not realize how fortunate they are to be served by the unique, volunteer, life-saving service. In operation for nearly 60 years, CSL EMS began as a post World War II civil security operation under the banner of EMO, or Emergency Measures Organization. Through the decades it transformed into a rescue service and adjunct of the former CSL Fire Department and auxiliary public security service. However, it always kept its vocation of being ready to assist the community during medical emergencies, even educating thousands of CSL students and residents in CPR training as well as use of AED (automated external defibrillators).

Glenn J. Nashen riding aboard Cote Saint-Luc’s first Rescue Medical Fire vehicle RMF-11, 1981

Since 1980, EMO mainly focused on first response and by 1990 the name changed to EMS and its first professional staff person was hired as director. Call coverage moved closer to round the clock and hundreds of local young adults received training and certification as First Responders.

With the forced municipal mergers in 2001 CSL faced the grim reality that it would lose control of its first responder service and that it would be transferred to the newly expanded, island-wide Montreal Fire Department. A very protracted and public political campaign ensured that CSL would uniquely manage its EMS thanks to a special law adopted in the Quebec National Assembly following the demerger in 2006.

Saving EMS at the Quebec National Assembly (2007)

And through these decades our extraordinary volunteers have responded to tens of thousands of emergency calls (over 3000 per year) and saved countless lives. I’m proud to have been associated with this incredible service since 1979 and played a significant role in its evolution along with so many notable leaders and volunteers.

While, this latest agreement with the ambulance service is important for the continued operation of CSL EMS, it’s equally important to recognize the organization’s history in arriving at this point in time.

Congratulations to all the volunteers, staff and community leaders, past and present, who have worked so hard to build a first-class, life-saving service that has touched the lives of thousands in CSL and across the region.

You can find out much more about CSL EMS on this blog.

Cote Saint-Luc’s Rick Liebmann becomes Montreal’s new Fire Chief

Richard Liebmann (Source: CBC, 2021)

The Montreal Fire Department’s new chief, Richard Liebmann, is no stranger to Cote Saint-Luc. Rick is a longtime resident and volunteer in the CSL Emergency Measures Organization (which became EMS) going back to the 1980s. As City Councillor for Public Safety I was pleased to have selected Rick to serve as one of the first directors of the CSL EMS first responder service.

He then became a firefighter in the Cote Saint-Luc Fire Department in the 1990s and rose to the rank of officer. In 2002 he transitioned to the Montreal Fire Department as part of the forced mega-merger.

Impressively, Liebmann subsequently rose in the ranks to the position of Assistant Director of the Montreal Fire Department and eventually oversaw First Responders across the Island (ironically, except in Cote Saint-Luc which is the sole demerged city to manage its unique first responder service).

This week the City of Montreal has named Liebmann as its new Fire Chief. Rick is the first English-speaking chief since the 1930s and the first ever Jewish chief. He has prioritized recruiting members of Montreal’s diverse communities into the department.

Proud to be among many deserving veterans of EMS including Patti-Bath Lietman, Hal Newman, Rick Liebmann (2014)

I am proud to have witnessed Rick’s very impressive career trajectory and to have volunteered with him so many years ago. Cllr. Ruth Kovac and I would recognize Rick’s dedication and professionalism in hiring him in his professional roles in the City of Cote Saint-Luc.

Congratulations Rick. The Montreal Agglomeration, the Fire Department and indeed all citizens of the Island of Montreal are fortunate to have you heading up emergency preparedness and management, civil protection, fire prevention and protection. May you continue to go from strength to strength. Best of luck in all the challenges that lie ahead.

2013 visit to the Montreal Emergency Preparedness Centre. L-R: CSL Public Security Chief Jerome Pontbriand, Montreal Fire Department Section Chief Gordon Routly, CSL Cllrs. Glenn J. Nashen and Ruth Kovac, FD Assistant Director Rick Liebmann, CSL PS Director Jordy Reichson

More:

Meet Montreal’s new Fire Chief, CTV News

Montreal names new fire chief, Global News

CSL’s EMS did not withhold CPR: Suburban

As I stated here last week we cannot give enough thanks to our first responders. This issue shows how incredibly lucky we are in Cote Saint-Luc to have our own, unique first responder service.

I heard back from several friends at Urgences Santé on this story and I underscore that their dedication and efforts, especially during this pandemic are nothing short of heroic. Special shout out to my old friend Brian who took time to update me on the matter.

Back here in Cote Saint-Luc, I salute all of our volunteers with CSL EMS along with CSL Public Security Director Philip Chateauvert and Manager Jean-Marc Dubois. Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and the city administration have gone above and beyond in doing their utmost to protect our city. How fortunate we are to have their leadership.

CSL EMS continued CPR

• 

News broke earlier in the week that the Montreal and Laval ambulance service, Urgences Santé, withheld cardio-pulmonary (CPR) resuscitation from some cardiac arrest victims. This policy was reportedly in effect from April through September in order to protect ambulance crews and overcrowded hospitals.

Many questions remain unanswered: How many people were affected by this policy where no attempt was made to resuscitate them? Why was this not announced to the public? Did Montreal Fire Department First Responders also abide by this plan?

We are learning that Cote Saint-Luc Emergency Medical Services was not required to abide by this highly contentious rule. CSL EMS is staffed round the clock by highly trained volunteers. CSL is the only municipality on the Island of Montreal, and pretty much in the region, to have its own life saving volunteer service. They respond to about 3000 top priority 911 medical emergencies each year.

While CSL EMS was shut down for the first few months of the pandemic in order to retrain in response protocols and equip volunteers with PPE, once back up they continued to answer all urgent calls.

“There have been no changes in protocols affecting how we assess which patients can receive CPR,” CSL Director of Public Safety Philip Chateauvert told me. “EMS continued to perform CPR on patients including those in asystole or with pulseless electrical activity as per the provincial protocols.”

This comes as a relief to residents of CSL, who have placed their trust in our dedicated lifesavers, volunteers who rush to assist at any hour of day or night and evidently even at increased risk during this unprecedented pandemic.

I called Mayor Mitchell Brownstein to commend the city for maintaining EMS and to thank our heroic First Responders. As a medic with CSL EMS and with Urgences Sante, for some three decades, I fully understand the passion and devotion that these fine men and women possess in serving the public during the most difficult of circumstances.

Mayor Brownstein has stood out among civic leaders in Quebec. He was first to call upon the government to mandate mask-wearing and has been at the forefront in keeping his city residents safe. “Our EMS is an outstanding service for all of our residents and visitors,” Brownstein told me this week. “We are so fortunate to be able to rely upon these amazing volunteers, especially during this incredibly challenging year.”

I salute our CSL EMS First Responders along with their dedicated staff, Philip Chateauvert and Jean-Marc Dubois. As well, a tip of the mask, errr hat, to Mayor Brownstein and the city administration for doing their utmost to protect our city. I may not agree with every measure (bring back vCOP!) but credit where credit is due. CSL remains a well informed community with excellent communications from city hall.

More:

No CPR by Urgences Santé from April to September 2020

No CPR by Urgences Santé from April to September 2020

Certains patients n’ont pu être réanimés par les ambulanciers cet été | Le Devoir

Montreal paramedics were told not not to perform CPR on some people whose hearts had stopped for five months this year, since it was seen as too risky at a time when COVID-19 wasn’t well understood.

The regional Emergency Medical Ambulance Services for Montreal and Laval, Urgences Santé, reportedly stopped performing Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation for patients in cardiac arrest last April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to protect ambulance crews (paramedics) and in order not to overwhelm hospitals a decision was made to not perform the life-saving procedure, known as CPR.

This information, only coming to light in local media reports today, is quite distressing. With hundreds of ambulance calls each day how many patients were not saved as a result of this policy? Why was this policy not disclosed at that time? Were families informed at each call? Did this policy extend to the Montreal Fire Department First Responders as well?

On a local level, did Cote Saint-Luc EMS, once back in service after being shutdown for several month, also abide by this policy? If so, how many cardiac arrest victims were not resuscitated? What were their ages?

These questions deserve answers. I hope local media will pursue this and inform the public.

As a former Emergency Medical Technician, with more than 18 years at Urgences Santé, I have great respect for our paramedics and know full well the stress they are under at the best of times. I have performed CPR some 125 times during my many years on the ambulance, in doctors’ cars and as a volunteer at CSL EMS. This policy would have weighed very heavy on my conscience as I’m sure it did for all ambulance crews this year. The desire to rush to assist those in need is intense and any prevention of such service is unimaginable. I hope all those paramedics are well. I also hope answers will be provided.

More:

Quebec health minister dodges question about do-not-resuscitate order to paramedics, Montreal Gazette, Nov. 24, 2020

CTV News

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2083316&jwsource=cl

CTV News report

Suspending EMS service unprecedented since service began in early 1980s

As a volunteer from the very first day in Cote Saint-Luc EMS, a crown jewel of local services that spurred me into a volunteer and political career that spanned nearly four decades, it is inconceivable that it is now closed in order to protect the health of its volunteers!

We faced uncertainty at EMS when the mega city of Montreal tried to gobble it into the new agglomeration-wide fire department in 2002. Yet we prevailed in keeping CSL EMS in local hands – a unique lifesaving service across the region and indeed throughout Quebec.

But today we face a different, unprecedented challenge. And drastic measures are necessary in very uncertain times.

EMS volunteers (Class of 2013)

Our CSL EMS volunteers are precious lifesavers but even these heroes have their limits. Without adequate training in handling patients with potential cases of COVID-19, nor essential personal protective equipment, it is far too risky to put our volunteers in harms way.

The temporary shuttering of CSL EMS is yet another reason to stay safe and to stay home. Seniors and the elderly in particular must avoid any risk to the greatest extent possible. While EMS has boasted very rapid response times, as little as 2-3 minutes in some cases, average ambulance response times hover closer to 10 minutes at best. And these are not the best of times.

I want to thank our incredible volunteers, EMS and vCOP, who have been sidelined by this horrific virus. You are our local heroes and you’ll all be back protecting our city very soon. Be well and stay safe.

Urgences-santé and the Ministry of Health asks to suspend all first responder services on the island of Montreal

March 30, 2020 – The Côte Saint-Luc Emergency Medical Services and Montreal Fire Department (SIM) first responders will temporarily pause their operations, starting on March 30, 2020, at 6pm, following a decision by Urgences-santé and the Quebec Ministry of Health.

The City of Côte Saint-Luc, in collaboration with Urgences-santé, has agreed to cease EMS operations temporarily. This measure, like all others, will be reassessed daily to ensure that it remains relevant based on the situation and the needs. The Montreal Fire Department (SIM) first responders will also stop their operations.

The well-being of our patients are our primary concern. At this point, a panel of experts, regionally and at the Ministry of Health has judged it better to remove first responders in certain regions in an attempt to limit the spread of the pandemic and in the best interests of the entire population. The clinical benefit of first responder presence is simply not worth the risk involved in affecting them.

Urgences-santé paramedics will continue to respond to medical calls in Côte Saint-Luc and across the island. These paramedics have the equipment and advanced training to respond to calls from patients with COVID-19.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and Urgences-santé gives us the green light, our first responders will be back on the road,” Mayor Mitchell Brownstein said. “Until then, we need to follow the directives of the government and do what is best to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Councillor Oren Sebag, who is the council member responsible for public safety, says this decision will have an impact on response times.

“This is the first time in our city’s history that our EMS first responders service has been interrupted,” Councillor Sebag said. “They have been such a great asset to our residents, especially recently, by providing much care and compassion every time they respond to a call. Not having them on the road will be a noticeable loss, but it will be a temporary loss.”

CSL State of Emergency aims to limit spread of virus

Cote Saint-Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein has been extremely active in putting into action decisive measures to mitigate risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic. CSL has been an early actor to declare a State of Emergency and in shutting down municipal services and facilities. The mayor has been communicating on an urgent basis with residents through its mass calling system.

Leading a city is difficult enough during normal times. During a crisis this is especially true. I was deeply involved in every CSL disaster for the last 40 years and playing a leadership role as City Councillor for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Ice Storm, power failures, home fires, apartment evacuation and underpass floods. CSL has been a leader in emergency measures for decades and is known across the region for its outstanding emergency services and readiness plans.

Currently, I am neck deep (and at times over my head) heading up communication efforts for the West-Central Montreal health authority, which includes the Jewish General Hospital as well as CSL’s Mount Sinai Hospital Centre, Maimonides and CLSC Rene Cassin. My team has been in crisis response mode for almost two weeks. More on that in another post.

Our all-volunteer EMS is unique throughout Quebec offering a 24/7 rapid response to medical emergencies. These life-saving volunteers are deserving of praise on ordinary days. What they are facing now, in keeping us safe, is nothing short of heroic.

Our volunteer Citizens on Patrol provides an extra layer of protection across the community. These 90 volunteers give us a sense of comfort and peace of mind as they circulate up and down every street in our city, watching over us and our property and acting as an early warning system to police, fire, ambulance, Hydro Quebec, public works and more.

Out of abundant concern for its older volunteers, many of whom are over 70 years old, the city has decided to halt this service for an indefinite period. This policy is unfortunate as there are still plenty of younger volunteers ready to do what is necessary and others in the community prepared to offer their time and to be trained to help their community in patrolling with vCOP. Our residents need to see these brightly identified patrollers, especially during times of crisis.

Fortunately, Public Security continues its patrols with professional agents around the clock.

The ill-advised and poorly communicated merger of police stations should be shelved for this year. Our populations and its leaders are poised in another direction and this is not the time for structural reorganization.

Emergency communications is a vital lifeline to our residents. CSL has a superb outbound calling platform that it has begun using during this crisis. The latest call from Mayor Brownstein succinctly and accurately describes the severity of the situation ordering snowbirds to stay home for 14 days and religious communities not to congregate at this time.

Cote Saint-Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein warns seniors to “stay at home” on CBC National News

As well, the mayor’s continuous presence in local and national media and the city’s declaration of a State of Emergency (by video hook up of City Council) has helped to focus attention on crucial preparation procedures such as self-isolation and shuttering religious and retail facilities.

Beth Chabad Cote Saint-Luc shuttered, along with all religious other institutions

It will be vital to the overall health of each and everyone of us, those around us and all across the country to heed the warnings and to prepare. It’s not too late.

Carbon monoxide from car in garage killed Côte-St-Luc couple: coroner

This is a heartbreaking, tragic reminder to be vigilant and prudent when parking your car in the garage and of the critical need to have CO detectors in your home.

GJN

House where couple was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 in Côte-St-Luc. PIERRE OBENDRAUF / MONTREAL GAZETTE

Woman probably forgot to turn her car’s ignition off after parking it in the garage

FRÉDÉRIC TOMESCO  Montreal Gazette: December 9, 2019

A Côte-St-Luc couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning last winter when the wife probably forgot to turn her car’s ignition off after parking it in the garage, a coroner has concluded.

Roger Banon and Simone Elkeslassy were found dead by one of their sons Feb. 6 after uncharacteristically failing to answer phone calls during the day. Firefighters called to the scene noted the presence of carbon monoxide inside the garage and the house.

The couple lived in a single-family residence, with their bedroom located directly above the garage. A carbon monoxide detector was installed in the basement and was in service, the report said.

Banon, 88, had Parkinson’s disease. He had the constant help and support of his 84-year-old wife and other family members, according to the coroner’s report, which was released Monday. Husband and wife — both wearing pyjamas — were found lying on the floor of the guest room.

“It appears that Mr. Banon’s spouse probably had a moment of distraction when returning from the grocery store on Feb. 5 and forgot to shut down the engine of her car,” coroner Julie-Kim Godin concluded in her report dated Sept. 25, ruling out suicide.

Having just returned from a trip, Elkeslassy “had to resume her activities and her routine,” Godin wrote. “She had several tasks to perform and needed to take care of her partner. She probably had a lot of concerns on her mind, which contributed to this moment of distraction.”

Montreal police investigators found Elkeslassy’s car parked in the garage. While the garage door leading onto the driveway was closed, investigators were unable to establish whether the inside door leading to the house was open or closed.

The car key was in the ignition and it was switched on, the coroner’s report said. The fuel gauge indicated that the tank was empty and the hood was lukewarm.

“This allows us to conclude that the engine continued to run, probably for several hours, producing significant carbon monoxide emissions in the house,” Godin wrote.

Elkeslassy was an “active, autonomous woman who was very involved in the community,” Godin also wrote. She was seeing a doctor regularly, and a recent appointment had not resulted in any problems being identified. Elkeslassy “loved life and was very resilient,” the report cited her doctor as saying. She had never expressed suicidal ideas, the report said.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a recurring problem in Quebec.

On Friday, a Laval woman was found dead in a house after being poisoned by the toxic gas, police said. Two other people were taken to a hospital for the same reason. Results of the investigation may be announced Tuesday, a Laval police spokesperson said Monday.

Carbon monoxide is a clear, odourless and tasteless gas that can make humans sick and can lead to death. The gas is created when fuels such as oil, coal, wood, gasoline, propane and natural gas are burned.

Carbon monoxide doesn’t irritate the eyes or respiratory tract. But when a person inhales it, the gas enters their blood and interferes with oxygen intake, damaging tissue, according to Quebec’s health department. The effects can vary depending on the quantity of the gas in the air and the length of exposure. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to a coma and death within minutes.

ftomesco@postmedia.com