TRAVERSE CITY – Currently, Mary Smith is engaged in a tough battle against breast cancer, which entails weekly chemotherapy appointments that take a toll on her body and spirit. During a recent visit to the treatment center, Nurse Jennifer Busick, known for her attentive care, immediately noticed a shift in Smith’s demeanor after the patient reported experiencing a relentless headache. Busick, exhibiting her dedication and vigilance, urged Smith to undergo further evaluation, a decision that ultimately led to the startling discovery of carbon monoxide poisoning. Doctors later confirmed that Smith faced a life-threatening situation, revealing she could have succumbed to the toxic fumes had she returned home that day.
“She immediately was like, are you okay? I mean, she’s watching me. And that’s the thing. She really observes her patients carefully. She pays a lot of attention to us. And she knew that I was just off. I had a really bad headache. I had been dizzy, I was nauseous, and I was walking into things,” recalls Mary Smith, expressing deep gratitude for Nurse Busick’s sharp instinct.
For a week, Smith had been battling unusual symptoms which she initially attributed to the new furnace she had recently installed. It wasn’t until the alarming visit to the hospital that she learned it was actually her oven leaking toxic carbon monoxide fumes. Realizing the potential danger, she feels a strong urge to educate others on the importance of home safety and awareness.
“If you have a headache, if you have tingly sensations, if you’re not sure if you’re feeling dizzy, like things are just not right. And that’s what she noticed right away, is things were not right. Go get checked and make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your house,” emphasizes Smith, urging everyone to listen to their bodies and heed the signs of trouble.
Nurse Jennifer Busick is keen to raise awareness about the insidious nature of carbon monoxide gas, which is both odorless and colorless—a silent threat that can have devastating consequences.
“You can’t smell it or see it. And then we do have this type of weather that now people are out and in campers or they’re in trailers, they’re down there doing that smaller living. So I just think that we’re at more of an increased risk that people need to be out buying those carbon monoxide detectors and be aware that this is very crucial,” warns Busick, highlighting the increased risks during colder months when heating appliances are in regular use.
Having faced a terrifying brush with death due to carbon monoxide, Smith is profoundly grateful for the second chance she now has at life.
“The end of the story was, is this beautiful woman took time out of her day the next day to literally call me and say, hey, I read the hospital report, you know, what happened and how you’re doing, but I want you to tell me how you’re doing now,” Smith shares, reflecting on the compassionate care provided by Busick.
Nurse Busick is satisfied that she could make a difference in Smith’s life. She continues to stress the critical importance of listening to your body and being attentive to the well-being of loved ones.
“If you even have that inkling that you should be seeing, reach out to your primary care physician. Go to an urgent care. She thought she’s going to shake it off. But if you’re out somewhere and your family members notice that there’s something wrong, that your headache has been going on for a long time, your family doctor or anybody else that notices these things, I hope they pick up on it because it is something that normally you don’t think about,” Busick concludes, stressing the need for vigilance regarding one’s health.
What steps should homeowners take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes?
**Interview with Mary Smith: A Survivor’s Story and a Call for Home Safety Awareness**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mary. Your recent experience is both alarming and inspiring. Can you take us back to that day at the treatment center with Nurse Jennifer Busick?
**Mary Smith:** Thank you for having me. That day, I was feeling particularly unwell. I had this relentless headache, and I was feeling dizzy and nauseous—I thought it was just the chemotherapy. But Nurse Busick noticed something was off right away. She really pays attention to her patients, and I’m so grateful for her vigilance.
**Editor:** It sounds like her instinct was crucial. How did you find out that your symptoms were due to carbon monoxide poisoning?
**Mary Smith:** Yes, it was a huge shock. I had been attributing my headaches and dizziness to the new furnace we had installed, but Nurse Busick insisted on further evaluation. After some tests, they confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning. If I had gone home that day without her intervention—I shudder to think what might have happened.
**Editor:** That’s such a brave journey you’ve been on. What message do you want to share with others regarding home safety?
**Mary Smith:** It’s essential to listen to your body. If something feels off—whether it’s headaches, dizziness, or any unusual symptoms—don’t ignore them. I urge everyone to ensure they have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. This gas is colorless and odorless; it can truly be a silent killer.
**Editor:** Nurse Busick has also been outspoken about the dangers of carbon monoxide. What did she have to say after your experience?
**Mary Smith:** She emphasized just how insidious carbon monoxide can be. People need to be aware, especially now that more folks are using campers or trailers in bad weather. It’s critical to prioritize safety and check your equipment regularly.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mary. Your story is a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance in health and safety. We wish you the best in your ongoing battle against cancer and hope your message reaches many.
**Mary Smith:** Thank you for giving me the platform to share my story. Stay safe, everyone!
