Winter Car survival ??

[nell67]

And there have been instances of back seat passengers on long trips suffering the affects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

[AdventureDoc]

I can see this scenario, as well. I think the most important thing is that CO poisoning is a very realistic possibility and should be at the forefront of everybody's minds.

What you're describing, to me, sounds like a massive load of CO in short amount of time. Normal red blood cells have 4 spaces to carry oxygen molecules and unfortunately the CO molecule is much more attractive than boring old oxygen. The affinity is much higher for CO, so the 4th space is carrying CO and that leaves 3 oxygen to get to the body's tissues. If there is a large amount of CO available, as in a massive amount of CO in a poorly ventilated area, all oxygens could be displaced, leaving nothing.

This would result in a much more acute case with symptoms presenting very quickly (seconds) and loss of consciousness almost immediately. An uncosnciousness person cannot leave the area to get more oxygen, so they keep breathing this "bad air".

Earlier, on this thread, somebody mentioned a CO detector for use in the car. I am beginning tho think this is a safe plan. Early recognition of symptoms and reacting to the problem is key, in my opinion.

The story is a very good learning tool Nell, thanks for sharing it. I would feel safe in a "well ventilated" area. Maybe this will help me from being too confident and not taking that "extra" step to properly vent myself and area.

[trax]

How lethal is CO? So, go ahead and take chances if you want to, I'm not going to.

[nell67]

Well since you can not see it ,taste it,or smell it,and it can put you to sleep in minutes,very lethal.

[trax]

I just wanted to see who else knew that. j/k. It was sort of rhetorical. When I worked in mining, there were times when very large areas of the mine sometimes the entire mine, were shut down for days because of CO levels caused by blasting. As I recall, it's measured in parts per million, so I don't like screwing around with something like that.

[MedicineWolf]

I got some plans for you in the back seat of my car in a winter storm... very warm and comfy Oh gee did I say that out loud... you didn't hear that, read it, or... well maybe you did

[nell67]

Trax..I think he's talking to you LMAO!!!!!

[trax]

Yikes!!! I'm not getting in any backseat with anyone! Oh except.....

[nell67]

except????????

[MedicineWolf]

No no Nell... i'm talking to the howling white wolf... hmmm who could that be? Or any other ladies that wanna get stuck in my car in a winter storm.

[trax]

except????????

Only you darlin'

[nell67]

Only you darlin'

SWEET baby! Sorry MedicineWolf, the howling white wolf is spoken for here

[MedicineWolf]

Oh I see, sorry bro didn't know. So how is 40 year old man, living 30 miles or more in the middle of nowheresville Montana, supposed to get a woman? Hmmm anyone got a ruskie mail order catalog Never thought about this when I took this job. (Trax thats ruskie for russian not huskie as in sled dog)

[Rick]

According the Centers for Disease Control:

* Stay in the car.
* Do not leave the car to look for help unless help is visible within 100 yards.
* Display a “call for help” sign.
* Raise the car hood or hang a brightly colored cloth on the antenna to signal for help.
* To keep warm, turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour.
* Run the heater only when the car is running. (Avoid running the car battery down.)
* Turn on car lights only when the car is running. (Avoid running the car battery down.)
* Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. (Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.)
* Open a window slightly for fresh air.
* Do light exercise to stay warm.
* If you’re alone, stay awake as much as possible.
* If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
* For warmth, huddle close together.
* Wrap your body and head with extra clothes, blankets, newspapers, maps, or removable car mats.
* Do not eat snow (lowers your body temperature). If no other water is available, snow can be melted for water using a can and a lit match. (Please note: Water must come to a rolling boil for one minute to kill most germs, but boiling water won’t get rid of chemicals sometimes found in snow.)

I think the 10 minutes every hour is what is not being discussed in this thread.


Source: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wint...eet.asp#in_car

[MedicineWolf]

Or just keep your car in good running condition so you don't break down, keep snow chains in the trunk, make sure its 4 wheel drive. Hmmmm.

[trax]

Right on Rick, well done

[Beo]

Hey Medicine Wolf!!! Ya always got Rosey Palm and her five sisters... lol... LMAO!!!

[nell67]

Oh Beo, dont be mean to him!LMAO!!!!

[Beo]

Hey he chose the very cool but secluded in the middle of nowhere job... lol... and MW Rosey won't complain when you roll over and go to sleep! lol....

[Elkchsr]

Medicine man...

You could cuddle up with one of the many bears living in your neck of the woods...