Telecare's Life-Saving Role in Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Tunstall outlines how telecare can address MPs' concerns over deaths caused by lethal gas, and its long-term impact on health

[ClickPress, Mon Sep 18 2006] With Government and gas suppliers facing mounting pressure to address "100 per cent preventable" carbon monoxide deaths, telecare is playing an increasingly vital role in protecting people against the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

A cross-party group of MPs has called for a zero fatality target on carbon monoxide poisoning, following research published by University College London that 20% of private homes have CO levels higher than those deemed healthy by the World Health Organisation, with 247 known deaths as a result of CO poisoning in the UK.

The MPs added that this figure could be significantly higher, as there is currently no systematic way of recording incidents.

Older people, and those with disabilities or conditions such as dementia can be particularly vulnerable to CO poisoning, according to Yorkshire based telecare specialist, Tunstall. Its telecare solutions provide an effective means of protecting people against potential risks, by monitoring CO levels and providing timely, round-the-clock support and assistance.

Tunstall's wireless CO detector raises an automatic alarm call to a 24-hour monitoring centre if dangerous levels of CO are detected, so that immediate help can be provided and health risks avoided.

Additional telecare sensors can be installed in the home alongside the CO detector to deliver a complete gas management solution. Natural gas detectors and gas shut-off valves detect high levels of gas and potential leakages and automatically turn off the gas supply to a property or individual appliance.

James Buckley, Chief Executive Officer at Tunstall said, "Telecare helps save lives. By detecting the build up of potentially fatal carbon monoxide emissions at an early stage, telecare sensors enable preventative action to be taken, supporting people in their own homes and keeping them safe, independent and healthy."

Emitted by faulty gas and solid fuel appliances such as boilers and fires, carbon monoxide is odourless, tasteless and colourless, making it difficult to detect and potentially lethal. For more information on the CO detector, visit www.tunstall.co.uk or call 01977 660479 for more details.


About Tunstall
Tunstall is the world's leading provider of telecare solutions, with over 2.5 million users globally. As the leader in the majority of major healthcare markets, including the UK, Germany, France, Benelux and Australasia, Tunstall provides technology, expertise and advice to enable people to lead independent lives. The Tunstall brand is recognised for the value and support the company offers to both vulnerable and older people, and those living with long term conditions, helping them to stay living within their own communities. For more information on how telecare can improve quality of life and well being, visit www.tunstall.co.uk

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