Lex Med Blog

According to the American Red Cross, more than 15,200 people go to hospital emergency rooms each year to be treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.

And, approximately 400 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Sadly, two people in Columbia died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their apartment complex this month.

In this WIS-TV interview with news anchor Judi Gatson, Dr. Alex Kranc of Lexington Medical Center’s Emergency department talks about what carbon monoxide is and how to recognize the signs of poisoning.

Carbon monoxide can build up to lethal levels in just a few days. Victims may complain of feeling like they have the flu or feeling faint after exposure. They can also have headaches or dizziness. Ultimately, high concentrations of carbon monoxide can starve the heart and brain of oxygen.

carbon monoxide detector

Adequate ventilation in cold weather and using caution with heat sources can prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide gas and help reduce fire hazards.

It’s also important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. However, the American Red Cross reports that only one in 10 homes has one.

Hubert Smoak is dedicated to helping patients who need medical equipment, but can’t afford it. He collects donated pieces of equipment and refinishes them. He’s never taken any salary. The Lexington Medical Center Foundation has awarded him grants to help him with his work. And this week, WIS-TV and Mungo Homes awarded him as a Community Builder. Watch the story below.

And thank you, Mr. Smoak!

The Lexington Medical Center Foundation works to meet the health needs of our community through many programs and services. To learn more about the work of the Foundation, visit LMCFoundation.com.

Dr. Marc Antonetti is a surgeon at Riverside Surgical Group and the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center. He performs many types of general surgery.

Dr. Marc Antonetti

This week, WIS-TV profiled Dr. Antonetti’s story as part of the TV station’s “Year of the Veteran” series. As Dawndy Mercer-Plank reports, taking an oath to treat the injured means treating everyone, even the enemy.