A haz-mat incident in Cary was reportedly a chemical suicide, where arriving units found a vehicle with warning signs indicating the presence of hazardous material. Read WTVD story. So what's a chemical suicide, and what should responders be aware of?

 

Google finds these PowerPoint slides from the Wrongful Death & Injury Institute Inc., from a presentation given and/or sponsored by the Saline County Sheriff's Department in Marshall, Missouri. The content includes information from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control, Hazardous Materials / Homeland Security Bureau. Below is a summary of salient points found in the excellent presentation. Kudos to the author(s).

Chemical Suicides

• Recent trend in Japan.
• People mix household chemicals to create deadly hydrogen sulfide gas.
• They use small rooms or confined spaces, and affix signs warning responders.
• Gas can spread and sicken others in vicinity.
• Instructions readily available on Internet.

Warning Signs For Responders

• Vehicles, residential bathrooms, and small spaces where gas quickly reaches lethal concentrations
• Vehicles with clear and obvious warning signs, or with less-obvious warning signs laid on dashboard.
• Open containers, pails, buckets, pots, or other containers where chemicals have been mixed.
• Signs that a chemical reaction has been initiated.

Notes For Dispatchers

• Be alert for chemical suicide types of calls.
• Warn callers not to approach or enter rooms or vehicles.
• Initial questioning may yield vital information, e.g. warning signs, strange smells, etc.
• Immediately relay information to responders.

Notes For Responders

• Warning signs may be removed or become dislodge prior to arrival.
• Carefully size-up situations involving unresponsive people in enclosed spaces.
• Look for indications of chemical mixing, such as improvised containers.
• If possibility that victim is sleeping, use PA system or siren to wake them.
• Follow haz-mat response protocols, of course.