MPs call for action over wrong diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning cases

Jan 31 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

MEDICAL staff need more training to help them spot the tell-tale signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

That is the view of a cross-party group of politicians, led by Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman.

The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group is calling for GPs, accident and emergency hospital staff and paramedics to get training in how to spot the symptoms.

The group has published a report after research revealed many cases are mistaken for illnesses such as flu or colds.

They spoke to the British Medical Association, GPs groups, the Royal College of Surgeons and carbon monoxide poisoning victims.

Mr Sheerman, who is co-chairman of the group, said: “There is evidence of lack of understanding. Too often carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t picked up and it is very important to raise awareness of how you spot the symptoms.

“It’s a training issue. We are not talking big bucks here to do it.”

The cross-party group has tabled an Early Day Motion about the issue in Parliament and is lobbying Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Chief Medical Officer Alan Johnson to see what can be done to roll out training.