Officials urge residents to get carbon monoxide detectors

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - Fire officials are warning people about the dangers of carbon monoxide after a man was poisoned Monday morning.

Paramedics found Thomas Martino, 55, dead inside his home on East Davis Boulevard just after 10 a.m.

Martino's wife, Pamela, 53, was transported to a hospital where officials said she is in critical condition.

According to the Tampa Police Department, the carbon monoxide came from the garage where the couple's Mercedes SUV was left running. Tampa Fire Rescue said the vehicle has a keyless ignition system and was likely left on unknowingly.

"Unfortunately with how quiet cars run, and with the new push button starts and stops, we see it happen more regularly now than we used to, especially accidentally," said Matt Russell, with Tampa Fire Rescue.

Officials did not confirm whether the couple had working carbon monoxide detectors inside the home, but said this is a sober reminder for others.

"The important thing to know about carbon monoxide is it is invisible, it is odorless, it is tasteless," said Russell. "The only way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide detector, it's very important to have."

Officials recommend detectors be installed in a central location, next to every sleeping area.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are nausea, heavy sweating, headaches, and elevated pulse, according to Russell.

"Without a carbon monoxide detector you wouldn't even know it was there," he added.