A Houston man spent hours calling 911 before responders found his family members dead


First responders usually have wide discretion over whether to force their way into a private home to respond to an emergency. One family's tragic carbon monoxide poisoning during Texas' severe winter weather in 2021 illustrates how the lack of a clear policy for firefighters, combined with miscommunication from 911 operators, led to a lengthy delay in providing medical help. Two family members died and two others suffered serious injuries when exhaust from their car filled their house and they could not respond to knocks at their door. Help was delayed for several hours.

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