EAST GREENWICH, R.I. -- A coworker concerned that her colleague had neither reported to work nor called in sick probably saved three people from carbon monoxide poisoning, Fire Chief Peter F. Henrikson said early Friday evening.
The coworker asked the police to check on the well-being of residents at 170 Watch Hill Drive, Henrikson said.
Police Lt. Paul Nahrgang said officer David Petrucci saw one occupant lying on the second-floor landing and checked the perimeter. He then entered through an unlocked door. He also called for backup officers and the Fire Department.
The woman was lethargic, as were her bedridden son and her husband. All were taken by ambulance to Kent Hospital.
Carbon monoxide levels "were through the roof," Henrikson said. The level registered between 800 and 1,000 parts per million. Anything above 35 ppm is hazardous, he said.
This item was originally posted at 5:53 p.m. Friday.