On Friday September 16th Greenwich Police received a report of an unconscious male in a condominium at 51 Old Kings Highway in Old Greenwich.
According to Greenwich Police who received the call around 1:15pm, the Greenwich Fire Dept was already on scene, and police were able to remove the unconscious man with the Fire Dept’s assistance.
According to Lt. David Nemecek, an officer entered the unit and discovered the location of the unconscious man. Because the residence had a high level of carbon monoxide, the officer exited the residence but returned after windows and doors were opened to ventilate the residence.
Rescue workers wore breathing devices and entered the residence, as well as neighboring units, which were unoccupied.
According to Lt Nemecek, when there is life danger, police may break down doors or windows to gain entry. “That is standard,” he said. “But it does not happen often.”
After the officer entered the residence the second time, the victim was removed and GEMS transported him to Norwalk Hospital emergency room where there is a hyperbaric chamber.
According to Lt Nemecek, the carbon monoxide was at a dangerously high level of 255 parts per million.
“It looks like it was a pure accidental exposure,” Nemecek said. “It’s possible a car was left running in the garage and shut off due to lack of oxygen, which would be possible. It could have run out of gas and shut itself off.”
Lt Nemecek said the officer did a great job in dangerous circumstances.
The incident is still under investigation. This story will be updated when more information becomes available.