‘Poisonous’: Family uses BBQ as a heater

Four people have been rushed to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after they used a charcoal BBQ to heat their home.

Emergency crews were called to a unit in Wentworthville, in western Sydney, about 3.30am on Saturday after residents reported having difficulty breathing.

Three of the residents were found unconscious.

Four people, including a child, were treated at the scene before being taken to Westmead Hospital.

Superintendent Tim Hassiotis said the carbon monoxide is believed to have come from a charcoal briquette BBQ, which was being used to heat the home.

“These types of equipment, used as heaters, pose a very dangerous threat,” he said.

“We urge those using this kind of equipment to only use them in a well ventilated area.”

Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, and can cause illness or death in people and animals in enclosed spaces.

Red blood cells pick up carbon monoxide quicker than they pick up oxygen, so if there is a lot of carbon monoxide in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with it.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to detect because the symptoms can be confused with fatigue, the common cold or the flu but without the fever symptoms.

People who suspect they may have carbon monoxide poisoning, should leave the area and get fresh air immediately.