Family of 4 Is Stricken by Carbon Monoxide

A 6-year-old Paramount girl was in critical condition Friday night after she and her family suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, possibly from a faulty heater that had been turned on for the first time this season, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The girl, identified as Kalonni Williams, was in the intensive care unit at Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach. Her 15-year-old brother, Montice Williams, was in fair condition at the same facility, said hospital spokeswoman Colleen Reinhart.

Their father, Lee Williams, was in good condition at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, and their mother, Sherrie Powdrill, was discharged earlier in the day, Reinhart said. All four were treated in a hyperbaric chamber, which helps remove the carbon monoxide from the body.

According to Reinhart, the family had moved into the home in August and turned on the heater for the first time Thursday night.

Powdrill woke up disoriented early Friday and vomited, Reinhart said.

She found her husband panting and foaming at the mouth and immediately called 911, Reinhart said. The children were found unconscious.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas; inhalation can quickly lead to death. More than 500 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning.

Safety and health officials recommend that heaters be inspected by a professional before they are relighted for the winter.