⚠️ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Travel Advice

• Discussion on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: The parliamentary session focused on discussing the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning for British travelers, highlighting the need for better government advice and awareness.

• Hudson Foley’s Story: Dr. Al Pinkerton opened the debate with the tragic story of Hudson Foley, a young British traveler who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Ecuador. Hudson’s mother, Cathy Foley, played a crucial role in uncovering the true cause of his death, which was initially misdiagnosed.

• Global Data Challenges: The debate underscored the difficulty in obtaining accurate data on carbon monoxide-related deaths overseas due to inconsistent post-mortem practices. This lack of data could lead to under-reporting of the issue.

• Impact Beyond Fatalities: It was noted that carbon monoxide poisoning also causes long-term health implications, such as cognitive impairments, for survivors. The risk is present in various types of accommodations worldwide.

• Call for Government Action: MPs called for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to update its travel advice to include warnings about carbon monoxide risks. They emphasized the influence FCDO’s advice has on the travel industry and the potential life-saving impact of simple changes.

• Hudson’s Pack Safe Appeal: Cathy Foley and her family have been advocating for travelers to carry portable carbon monoxide alarms through this appeal. They aim to raise awareness and encourage the travel industry to prioritize carbon monoxide safety.

• Recommendations: Several MPs suggested adding carbon monoxide poisoning warnings to the FCDO’s travel advice for all countries, encouraging travelers to carry portable detectors. They also proposed a public awareness campaign.

• Government Response: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Mr. Hamish Falconer, expressed condolences to Hudson’s family and committed to reviewing the travel advice. He also mentioned ongoing and future collaborations with safety organizations like the Safer Tourism Foundation.

• Cross-Party Support: There was broad agreement among MPs from different parties on the need for action to prevent further tragedies, demonstrating a unified call for improved safety measures and awareness.

• Domestic Concerns: The debate also touched on the need for better carbon monoxide safety regulations in the UK, particularly in care homes, and greater public education on the risks at home.

The session displayed a very low level of disagreement. The debate focused on urging the Government to enhance its travel advice regarding carbon monoxide poisoning risks, and there was a strong, cross-party consensus on the issue. Members from different political parties, including Dr Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrats), Mr Mark Francois (Conservative), Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party), Edward Morello (Liberal Democrats), and Andrew Rosindell (Conservative), all expressed unified support for improving government advice and raising awareness about carbon monoxide poisoning risks for travelers. The Minister, Mr Hamish Falconer, while cautious in his commitments, did not oppose the sentiment of the debate and showed willingness to consider changes to the travel advice. There were no instances of contention or opposing viewpoints presented, indicating a harmonious and agreed perspective on the issue at hand. The primary suggestion for adding specific warnings about carbon monoxide poisoning to travel advice was broadly supported, with no contradictory positions taken.