Hunter H18 Operator's Manual page 37

Any device that burns fuel creates Carbon Monoxide. For
example, a propane cook-top or a space heater are both
potential sources for CO. But the most serious danger
comes from the gasoline engines and generators aboard
your own and neighboring boats. There are four basic
ways that CO from a running engine or generator can
enter your boat.
The "station wagon effect" results from the aerodynamics
of deck cabins and flying bridges. With the boat under-
way, the air flow over the top forms a low pressure area
behind the cabin or transom which can suck exhaust gas-
ses into the cockpit and the cabin inefficient trim angles
also can cause the station wagon effect.
4.2.4 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Most important is to know the causes, study the symp-
toms, and be trained in the emergency care. This is
the best way to avoid, understand, and respond to any
Carbon Monoxide emergency:
One or more of the following symptoms can signal the
adverse effects of Carbon Monoxide accumulation. The
order of this list is generally the sequence of symptoms.
However, the number of symptoms and the order of their
appearance may change for different people.
Watering and Itching eyes
Tightness in the chest
Flushed Appearance
Ringing in the ears
Throbbing Temples
Inattentiveness Convulsions
Drowsiness
Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Collapse
Nausea
Fatigue
4.2.5 Effects of Carbon Monoxide
When inhaled, Carbon Monoxide is absorbed by the
lungs and reacts with the blood hemoglobin to form
carbon hemoglobin, which reduces the oxygen carrying
capacity of the blood. The result is a lack of oxygen
for the tissues, causing subsequent tissue death and, if
prolonged, death of the individual. Carbon Monoxide in
high concentrations can be fatal in a matter of minutes.
Even lower concentrations must not be ignored because
Hunter 18 • Boating Safety
the affects of exposure to CO are cumulative and can
be just as lethal. Certain health related problems and
age increases the effects of CO. People who smoke or
are exposed to high concentrations of cigarette smoke,
consume alcohol, or have lung or heart disorders are
particularly susceptible to an increase in the effects from
CO. However, the health of all of the boat's occupants
should be considered. Physical exertion accelerates the
rate at which the blood absorbs CO. The early effects
of CO poisoning are easy to overlook because they are
similar to the effects of other boating related stress such
as eye strain, fatigue, sun exposure, seasickness, or
alcohol consumption. But, as the concentration of CO in
the air increases, it has increasingly adverse effects on
your health.
4.2.6 When Overcome by Carbon Monoxide
When someone falls victim to Carbon Monoxide poison-
ing, fast and responsive action is crucial. Know the symp-
toms. The earlier the effects of CO are detected, the
better the chances for recovery. The following list shows
the sequences of events that must be done in an effort to
revive a CO victim:
• Evacuate, Ventilate, Investigate, complete the Carbon
Monoxide poisoning action sequence
• Move the victim to fresh air.
• Administer oxygen if available. If the victim is not
breathing, perform artificial resuscitation per approved
CPR procedures until medical help arrives and takes
over. Prompt action can mean the difference between
life and death.
• Ventilate the area.
• Investigate the source of CO and take corrective
action.
• As always, you can contact the Red Cross to obtain
information for training in CPR or emergency response
care.
4.2.7 How to Minimize the Accumulation of Carbon
Monoxide
Practice good inspection and maintenance habits. Be
certain hull exhaust outlets are not blocked or restricted
in any way.
Be alert for exhaust gasses from other boats. Always
provide adequate ventilation when weather enclosures
are in place and engines or generator is running.
Do not run with a high bow angle. Use trim tabs or redis-
tribute the load to maintain a low bow angle. Orient your
4.5