September 21, 2004

Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, Honors a Physician’s Memory, Donates to Fight Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Genesis and its Doctors collaborate to help the Davenport and Bettendorf Fire Departments protect Quad City families

Davenport, IA - You can't see it or smell it or taste it. But carbon monoxide is one of the most toxic substances you could come into contact with in your daily life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this silent killer claims more than 500 lives each year. In November of last year, Kevin P. Wilson, M.D., affectionately know as "Kip," and his father, Peter B. Wilson, were found dead in his father's home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. Dr. Wilson was Medical Director of the Genesis Pain Management Center and a partner with Anesthesia & Analgesia, P.C., Davenport.

To call attention to the dangers of carbon monoxide, the Medical Staff of Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, has joined with Genesis Health System and physicians from Anesthesia & Analgesia, P.C. to set up a fund in Dr. Wilson's name. The fund will be used by the Davenport and Bettendorf fire departments to purchase carbon monoxide detectors and distribute them to Quad City families. Genesis Health System and Genesis Medical Center Davenport medical staff are donating a combined total of $7,500 to the fire departments during a presentation at 5 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, at the Adler Health Education Center, located in the Genesis Heart Institute, at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme. Anesthesia & Analgesia, P.C. also will present a check for $5,000 to the fire departments. Dr. Wilson's family will attend the presentation.

"We are very saddened by Dr. Wilson's death and not a day goes by that he is not mentioned by a patient," says Maggie Dubin, Nurse Manager, Genesis Pain Management Center. "Dr. Wilson was very kind and had a great deal of respect and compassion for every patient. I am happy that we can honor his memory by helping others."

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels – gas, oil, coal and wood – used in cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed or even semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of carbon monoxide ingestion can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to flu. People who are sleeping can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.