Carbon monoxide at Bristol clinic sends 13 to hospital

BRISTOL — Elevated carbon monoxide levels at an ETSU Health clinic Tuesday sent 13 people to hospitals. All patients were expected to be released by Wednesday evening, according to a joint statement from ETSU Health and Ballad Health. The clinic, ETSU Health Family Medicine Bristol, will remain closed while the health group evaluates the cause of the leak and corrects the issue. Clinic staff called 911 and evacuated the building after being alerted to a possible leak that afternoon. The fire department detected "slightly elevated CO levels" during their inspection. Managers notified employees, students and patients who had been in the building and encouraged them to monitor for carbon monoxide exposure and go to the hospital if needed. "The safety of our patients and employees is our top priority," the two health groups said in the statement. "Since the incident, ETSU Health has been working closely with our partner, Ballad Health, to ensure monitoring and care are provided for anyone who may have been impacted." The incident is the region's second notable carbon monoxide event in a week. A Milligan University leak last Wednesday affected about 300 people when detectors failed to alarm. "We've recently seen several cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in our community," Ballad Health wrote in a Facebook post sharing safety advice. "It's a serious but preventable danger that's important to talk about." To stay safe from carbon monoxide, the health system advised: Installing battery-operated detectors in sleeping areas. Servicing furnaces annually. Using generators safely and never indoors.