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.

Mr Sheerman added: “Once you are aware it is a possibility and you know what you are looking for, it is much easier to diagnose or test for.”

His co-chairwoman Maria Miller MP added: “We have heard about case after case of patients going to their doctor with tell-tale symptoms and yet being misdiagnosed.

“More needs to be done to ensure that medical professionals spot the signs immediately.”

Mr Sheerman has campaigned to raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers since being approached by Deighton woman Stacey Rodgers.

Stacey has campaigned for awarenesss after her 10-year-old son Dominic died of carbon monoxide poisoning in 2004.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas given off by faulty carbon-fuelled appliances, such as gas fires or boilers.

If inhaled it can cause severe injury and death.

Symptoms can include headache, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, sore throat, confusion, hyperventilation, drowsiness, breathing problems and seizures.