5 helicopters respond to Lake Powell medical emergency

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Five people were flown from Lake Powell to St. George, Utah, for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning on a houseboat that produced a massive medical response in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 17.

Five medical helicopters responded to the situation, which grew from an initial report of four people affected by carbon monoxide poisoning to an eventual total of 21 patients — 16 who were treated and released at the scene. Three adults and two juveniles were transported by helicopter to St. George, according to a National Park Service (NPS) news release.

Rangers were notified at about 12:45 a.m. on Wednesday by Kane County, Utah, dispatchers. The incident occurred on a privately owned houseboat at Face Canyon, about 10 miles west of Glen Canyon Dam on the Arizona side of the canyon within Coconino County. The site is about 120 miles by air from St. George.

It was the third carbon monoxide-related incident that Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Rangers responded to so far in July, NPS said.

Classic Air Medical dispatched three medical helicopters and Intermountain Life Flight dispatched 2 medical helicopters. The five patients were transported to St. George Regional Hospital

The source of the carbon monoxide is currently under investigation by NPS investigators and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.

NPS advises boaters to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and ensure onboard detectors are working properly before embarking on a trip. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that can cause death when inhaled.

Symptoms of exposure can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and confusion. A person who is sleeping can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before recognizing symptoms, and boats can collect dangerous levels anytime fuel-burning, engines or appliances are running.

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