16 people treated in hospital after suspected carbon monoxide leak at Adelaide Ice Arena
By Bethanie AldersonSeveral ice hockey players have been treated for suspected carbon monoxide exposure following a tournament at Adelaide’s Ice Arena.
Ice Arena manager Richard Laidlaw said members of the Melbourne Ice hockey team had played a match against Adelaide Rush at the venue yesterday afternoon.
Mr Laidlaw said a group of the players later complained of feeling unwell and took themselves to hospital as a precaution.
It is thought the group were affected by fumes leaking from a machine called a Zamboni, which is used to resurface the ice.
Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) crews attended the Ice Arena at Thebarton in the early hours of this morning to find high levels of carbon monoxide in atmospheric testing.
In a statement, a SA Health spokesperson said 16 people presented to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in the early hours of this morning and all are in a stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.
"Most patients are being observed while some have required oxygen therapy," the spokesperson said.
A MFS spokesperson said its members have been working to ventilate the arena with high pressure fans and have used chemical suits to continue to monitor the atmosphere.
"They're working to manage the situation until the venue is safe for re-entry, and following handing the site back to venue management will return to monitor the levels over the next 12 hours as a precautionary measure," a spokesperson said.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, tiredness, nausea and in more severe cases, shortness of breath.
Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said anyone still experiencing ongoing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning after visiting the Ice Arena last night should seek medical attention.
"Pregnant women and very young infants are also advised to be checked regardless of symptoms," Professor Spurrier said.
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