7. The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on the Chase
Storm chaser David Lee almost lost his life in a terrifying event still haunting him from an invisible threat lurking in his own car rather than from a tornado. David had been running his engine occasionally to run his equipment and keep warm during a protracted hunt over the Plains. He had no idea that a broken exhaust system was letting carbon monoxide flood the cabin.
“I brushed off as tired from the long day; I started feeling dizzy and nauseous,” David says. “It wasn’t until I nearly lost consciousness that I realized something was seriously wrong.” Luckily, a fellow chaser saw David’s unusual behavior and acted to get him out of the car into fresh air. Even when the heavens are clear, this near-fatal incident reminds us grimly of the hidden hazards storm chasers must negotiate.
David’s carbon monoxide poisoning episode was a wake-up call for the whole storm chasing community as well. It brought attention to a threat many had missed in their concentration on hazards connected to the weather. Following his near-death encounter, David started advocating more safety precautions in chase vehicles.
David’s brush with death resulted in an exhaustive examination of storm chasing techniques. Working with other seasoned chasers, he created new safety procedures including a required carbon monoxide detector installation in every chase vehicle. These detectors today rank among the most important tools in the storm chaser’s toolkit, alongside first aid kits and weather radios.
The episode also spurred more general discussion on the psychological and physical effects of protracted searches. Pursuing the ideal storm, storm chasers sometimes spend hours or even days on the road, taxing their bodies. David’s story made clear the requirement of frequent rest breaks, good ventilation, and knowledge of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
David set out to teach fellow storm chasers about the risks of carbon monoxide in the months after recovering. He established an online training course emphasizing vehicle safety during protracted pursuits, produced papers for chasing magazines, and spoke at meteorological conferences. By increasing knowledge of this quiet, invisible danger, his efforts have perhaps saved lives.
David’s background also spurred creative ideas for chase vehicle design. Working with automotive experts, he developed improved ventilation systems for vehicles needing extended idle times. These changes not only lower the risk of carbon monoxide buildup but also make the long runs more pleasant.