A man and woman were rushed to hospital in critical condition after being exposed to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from burning coal.
The couple, aged in their 50s, were discovered unconscious and unresponsive inside the bedroom of their Westminster home, north of Perth, by their teenage children about 12.45pm on Tuesday.
At least five ambulances responded to the house where the couple was treated by paramedics, including an intensive care team.
The couple were taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, where they are both now fighting for their lives.
It is understood coal had been burning in an unventilated bedroom where the couple slept and tried to keep warm.
It is also understood that the family had recently moved into the house.
Luke Miles, acting district officer for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, said the couple was exposed to possible carbon monoxide poisoning “over a long period of time.”
“They were using (charcoal) as a heating source in the bedroom… where the two victims were,” he told reporters.
A man and woman in their 50s were rushed to hospital for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from burning coal. The scene is represented
Neighbor Misty Simpson (pictured) said “there was a horrible smell” when she went outside
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms including headache, nausea and vomiting, while exposure to very high levels can cause unconsciousness, seizures and death.
The incident is a timely reminder, a sad reminder for families to be vigilant when using heating devices to stay warm during the winter.
“The important safety message surrounding this is obviously to burn any material within an enclosed space; (you) need to make sure you have a well-ventilated area,” Mr Miles said.
Surprised residents said Seven news There was no sign of anything suspicious until ambulances arrived at Reddy Court on Tuesday afternoon.
Neighbor Misty Simpson noticed a “horrible smell” when she went outside to find out why there were so many emergency crews on the street.
Firefighters searched the house, which was later cordoned off by police.
Authorities are not treating the incident as suspicious at this time.
Temperatures in the area had fallen to 3.4°C around 5am on Tuesday and were just 2.4°C 24 hours earlier.
Carbon monoxide is produced when fossil fuels burn without enough oxygen. This can occur through gas-powered appliances, as well as fires and clogged chimneys.
