Shakopee family shares story, thanks first responders after being poisoned by carbon monoxide

A Shakopee family is thanking first responders for helping to save their lives after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning in their home.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spoke with the family after they returned home from the hospital Tuesday.

"Last night we didn’t feel good," said 24-year-old Ferhiya Ibrahim. "But now we are better. And for everyone helping, the hospital, all the police, everyone, I say thank you."

Ibrahim said she was home with her four children Monday night, who range in age from 7 months old to 6 years old.

Her 29-year-old sister and her two kids were also at the home.

Ibrahim said they all started experiencing trouble breathing and headaches around 11 p.m. Monday and quickly called 911.

The Shakopee Fire Department responded to the townhome on Coneflower Lane, off of Dean Lakes Trail. All eight people inside were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center and found to have mid-range levels of carbon monoxide in their blood.

"When we showed up, we found that there was high levels of CO in the house," said Shakopee Fire Chief Rick Coleman.

Coleman said the highest carbon monoxide level in the home was around 600 parts per million.

Exposure at that rate can be deadly after about three hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Coleman hopes to raise awareness about the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially in the winter months when Minnesotans are more likely to use furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters.

"The biggest thing is you can’t smell it and it’s going to cause dizziness. You’re going to feel like you have an upset stomach and you just don’t feel good. You’re just groggy," Coleman explained. "When the whole family comes down with it at about the same time, it’s time to get out and make sure you’re calling 911."

Coleman said the townhome in this case did not have working carbon monoxide detectors.

"Make sure you change your batteries during the fall and during the spring, at the time of the year when we change our clocks back. If you don’t know exactly if your detectors are working, reach out to your local fire department. They’ll be more than happy to help you out," Coleman said.

Crews are still investigating what caused the carbon monoxide poisoning Monday night.

Ibrahim believes it may have come from a car left running in the garage.

She said the entire family spent about three hours in the hospital but everyone is now home and expected to be OK.

"When you feel better, you’re happy. That’s why we’re happy. So thank you so much," Ibrahim said.

Shakopee Fire Department has more information about carbon monoxide poisoning, along with safety tips, posted here.