Srinagar, Feb 12:
A late-night medical emergency gripped a guest house in the tourist hub of Pahalgam on Wednesday, as six visitors from Jaipur, Rajasthan, were rushed to the hospital following a suspected carbon monoxide (CO) leak.
The incident has once again turned the spotlight on the hidden dangers of heating appliances during the peak of the winter season in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Midnight Rescue
The emergency unfolded around 11:50 PM when multiple guests at the facility began exhibiting distressing symptoms. According to health officials, the group—which included both minors and adults—complained of:
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Severe headaches and dizziness
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Nausea and vomiting
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Physical weakness
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Altered sensorium (confusion or disorientation)
They were initially taken to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Pahalgam, where medical teams immediately implemented life-saving protocols.
Medical Response: Stabilized and Discharged
At SDH Pahalgam, the victims were put on high-flow oxygen therapy to flush the toxic gas from their systems. Once their vital parameters were stabilized, they were referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for specialized evaluation.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag, Dr. Khalid Parvaiz, confirmed the victims’ recovery. “All six tourists responded exceptionally well to the treatment. They are now stable and have been discharged to their hotel,” he stated.
Health authorities are using this incident as a stark warning for both locals and tourists. Carbon monoxide is often called the “Silent Killer” because it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced when fuels like gas, wood, or charcoal burn incompletely.
Safety Checklist for Tourists & Hoteliers
To prevent such life-threatening incidents, officials have urged the following precautions:
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Ventilation is Key: Never use charcoal burners (Kangris or Bukharis) or portable generators in completely enclosed rooms.
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Regular Maintenance: Ensure all heating equipment and gas geysers are serviced by professionals annually.
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Detector Installation: If possible, carry or request a portable CO detector in hotel rooms.
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Emergency Action: If you feel “flu-like” symptoms without a fever, or sudden confusion, move to fresh air immediately and call for help.
