Pair hospitalized after carbon monoxide poisoning

PRIEST LAKE — Two young girls were transported to the hospital last weekend after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning during a family outing on Priest Lake.

At approximately 5:18 p.m., deputies with the Bonner County Sheriff's Marine Division responded to calls that two children had become unconscious in the water. The juveniles were transported by family members to nearby Hills Resort, where deputies found them being treated by an off-duty physician, several off-duty medical professionals, good Samaritans and on-duty EMS personnel.

An 11-year-old female from Washington, who was in critical condition, was transported by Life Flight to Sacred Heart Hospital. A 13-year-old female, also from Washington, was transported by ground ambulance to Newport Hospital. The 13-year-old was treated and released, but the 11-year-old continues her recovery at Sacred Heart.

An investigation determined that the females, along with several other children, were at the rear of the boat when they were overcome by carbon monoxide and fell unconscious. Fortunately, all the children were wearing personal floatation devices, which significantly contributed to the survival of the two most severely-afflicted children. The other children onboard that were also affected by the exhaust did not require medical attention.

The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind boaters of the dangers posed by a vessel’s exhaust system. For this and other hazardous reasons, like a spinning propeller, it is unlawful for occupants of a boat to stand or sit on the swim step or rear deck of a boat while the boat is underway. This area should always be avoided anytime the engine is running.

The sheriff’s office would also like to thank the numerous bystanders who provided care to the patients as well as those who helped bring medical supplies from the resort. The community response to this incident was incredible and greatly appreciated at such a critical moment.

Please use caution while on the water to ensure a fun day doesn’t end in tragedy. To help educate the public on these and other boating hazards, the sheriff’s office offers free boater safety education courses throughout the boating season. Contact the sheriff’s office at 208-263-8417, x-3125 for more information or to register for a course.