Carbon Monoxide Awareness Blanket Badge

November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness month. Not just for Scouts, this CO awareness badge is good for everyone to have and understand the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Our blanket badges don't have set requirements but we've added some ideas below that you can do with your Group to raise awareness.

For all ages/sections

We suggest you complete two carbon monoxide awareness activities to complement the badge, Not CO-ol Not CO-ol | Activities | Scouts and either the Solve a Meeting Place Mystery or Solve a Campsite Mystery Solve a campsite mystery | Activities | Scouts as these activities are appropriate for Beavers right through to Explorers

Why not brush up on your CO awareness skills before leading these sessions. It only takes 15 minutes and you’ll learn a true Skill for Life. Head to the GDNs partnership page to find out more: Gas Distribution Networks | Scouts There you’ll also find links to the other CO awareness activities.

At Scouts, we want to raise awareness of carbon monoxide to adults and young people alike.

What’s carbon monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in. CO can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal. 

You can’t see it, smell it, hear it or taste it, so you may not even know it's about until you have symptoms of CO Poisoning. 

NHS Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Information

Symptoms of Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

• Tightness across the forehead and confusion
• Stomach pain
• Severe headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting
• Coma, intermittent convulsions
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

If you think you might have carbon monoxide poisoning:

• stop using appliances you think might be making carbon monoxide (such as a boiler, cooker or heater) if you can
• open any windows and doors to let fresh air in
• go outside
• get medical advice as soon as possible – do not go back into the affected building until you have got advice

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to those of food poisoning and the flu. However, unlike flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature (fever). If the exposure has been severe it may cause death.

If you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the free National Gas Helpline immediately on 0800 111 999.

If you're a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use SignLive to contact the National Gas Emergency Service free of charge. 

More information

Cub Scouts can also earn their Cubs Home Safety Activity Badge - Everyone should feel safe and snug in their own space. Learn how to prevent accidents in the home, and find out what to do if they happen.

Here's a session activity for Scouts' Leaders

Not CO-ol - Find out what carbon monoxide is and where it comes from. (Supported by Gas Distribution Networks)

In November 2023, Scouts caught up with Gas Distribution Networks to help teach everyone about carbon monoxide safety. 

How to stay safe from carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide safety in Scouts

Find out more about gas safety

Carbon monoxide awareness programme with Scouts

Why are the Gas Distribution Network working with Scouts?

The Gas Distribution Networks’ partnership with Scouts aims to teach young people about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Over 4,000 people visit hospital each year with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. If it’s not detected early enough, you can die from it. Therefore, it’s very important we raise awareness of the dangers of CO and how to keep safe.

Gas Distribution Networks want everyone to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning, as well as know ways to prevent it.

Take a look at our Cubs Home Safety Badge or Gas Distribution Networks supported activities to learn about gas safety and CO in Scouts.