WEST JORDAN, Utah, Dec. 7, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) -- West Jordan Fire officials say 11 patients were transported by ambulances Saturday after high carbon monoxide levels sickened people at the Otto and Sons meat-packing plant.

West Jordan Deputy Fire Chief Chris Torvino told reporters at the scene that crews were dispatched to the business, also known as OSI Industries, on a request to help one patient. They went to 4980 W. 9470 South.

"Upon arrival, they found a female patient that they actually rapidly extricated as they entered the structure, and they found that there were high CO levels, more than 800 parts per million, and they evacuated the entire building so they could identify who was truly sick."

First responders conducted multiple searches to ensure everyone was out, Torvino said.

"We had 11 patients that were transported by ambulance to local area hospitals in various conditions."

CO, a gas, is created when certain fuels burn incompletely, Torvino said.

"Carbon monoxide attaches to the hemoglobin and displaces the oxygen in the blood. It can render a person who is left in that environment, that is full of CO, unconscious."

Torvino said all 11 patients transported were able to speak, which is a good sign.

"They were able to answer questions about paramedics on scene. Some were transported as a precautionary measure. They did have some levels of CO identified in their bloodstream."

A few with CO detectable in their blood opted not to be transported, Torvino said. Early signs of CO poisoning include difficulty breathing and headaches. A later sign is unconsciousness, which prevents victims from leaving the high CO level environment and can easily result in their death.

Besides ambulances from West Jordan Fire, additional ambulances were brought in from South Jordan and West Valley City, Torvino said, adding some ambulances transported multiple patients. Officials are working with the business to determine how many people were working, and if any may have been taken to a hospital by private vehicle, or who may have gone home without treatment.

Torvino said the CO level was extremely high.

"It was 800 parts per million. For our fire crews, our policy is that anything over 35 parts per million, they're going to wear their respirators. So that's pretty significant."