Late this morning fire units from Collegeville Fire Company and Upper Providence Township Department of Emergency Services were alerted to a carbon monoxide incident at the Movie Tavern in the Town Center Shopping Center. Initial units arrived and find workers had been inside the business using gas powered equipment without adequate ventilation. While investigating fire personnel were presented with multiple workers and patrons complaining of a variety of symptoms indicating a carbon monoxide exposure. EMS was dispatched at this time with two ambulances being requested due to the number of potential patients. Friendship Ambulance 325-1 & Chester County MICU 67-1 from West End Ambulance in Phoenixville responded to assist as well as Chief 325 arriving to assist with logistics and operations. In total 14 occupants were evaluated onscene with no one being transported for follow up care. EMS units were onscene for just under an hour before being released by command.

As colder temperatures set in carbon monoxide incidents begin to increase. Whether the cause is heater malfunctions, generators, or other gas powered equipment be sure to operate these in a location with adequate ventilation and according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Working carbon monoxide detectors save lives as this odorless gas can be deadly if not immediately recognized.