Day one of the Kicker Country Stampede ended with a no major incidents medically or criminally.

Larry Couchman, Director of Emergency Services for via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and Riley County EMS, says there has been a slight spike over the years in one area – generators and carbon monoxide poisoning.

“I’d really like to caution people that when they have their home generator and they’re out camping, watch where it is positioned – especially if you have low wind and higher humidities like we’re going to see in the next couple of days – that carbon monoxide doesn’t dissipate as fast and if your generator is (close to your trailer) exhausting under the trailer it can be very, very significant,” said Couchman.

Last year Couchman noted that there were two patients last year who had to be transported to KU Medical Center for hyperbaric treatment due to the carbon monoxide poisoning.

The symptoms to carbon monoxide poisoning can often feel like alcohol or heat related symptoms, so campers utilizing generators should exercise caution.

Symptoms may include light-headedness, nausea, or feeling very tired which may result in wanting to lay down and take a nap – but if affected, you may not wake up.

Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless so please exercise caution while camping.