September Safety Corner – Chemical Assisted Suicide: Responder Information for our field personnel

Problem: There is no longer a routine call. Recognize that every response is unique and should be treated as such. Always wear proper PPE and SCBA.

Mixing household chemicals to create toxic vapors:

• Look for and recognize containers that may indicate presence of common household chemicals

In most cases, two (or more) chemicals will be mixed to produce vapors.

Analyze the Problem

Recognition/ID and Warning Signs:

• Open containers or a ‘mixing container’. Chemicals may not be properly marked/labeled
• Do NOT rely on suicide notes or placards near the entry pathway for first responders which warn of danger
• Open containers or household chemicals where they would not normally be found (vehicles, bedrooms, etc.)
• Taping of doors, windows, dash vents, openings or other attempts to seal the enclosure
• Locations: Vehicles and Structures:
• If this is a chemical suicide remember it is a crime scene and needs to be treated as such
• Look for indicators in the surrounding area and question occupants. After analysis, vehicles and structures can be ventilated. Do NOT rely on presence or lack of chemical/unusual odors. Be aware of contact with liquids or powders and provide decontamination for occupants and responders.

Plan the Response

Take time to look into the vehicle for signs of a suicide (mixing vessels, residue, containers)

Response Options:

• Rescue/Recovery
• Evacuation/Isolation
• Protective handline
• Decontamination
• Preserve evidence

Selection of PPE:

• Follow FCE FOG for proper PPE and respiratory protection selection

Obtain control of air monitoring equipment

Selection of Decontamination

• Technical decontamination should be established for entry teams conducting control tasks

Plan of Action

• Use a Risk Based Response control plan
• Vehicle vs. Structure
• Compartment size will/can play a role in the levels of concentration, resulting in varying levels
• The smaller the compartment the higher the concentration -> higher toxic levels and potential to reach LEL levels
• Ventilate all occupancies to change the concentration levels of the environment
• Open the doors to vent

Implement the Plan

Fire Department Handline (vapor disbursement or extinguishment)

• Vapor Disbursement – Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Make sure to control and isolate runoff
• Extinguishment – May form explosive mixtures with air. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames

Ventilation/Change the Environment – Properly trained and equipped first responders should ventilate after a thorough analysis of potential hazards

Air monitoring – Should be conducted throughout the incident and until evidence has been collected

Decontamination – All entry team members should undergo a technical decon. Beware of potential for occupants and clothing to ‘off-gas’ trapped vapors. EMS and the hospital must be notified in advance in order to avoid contamination of personnel/equipment

Crime scene considerations – Minimize responder exposure while preserving evidence

Evaluate:

• Maintain Situational Awareness – Don’t count on warning signs. Be aware of secondary contamination

Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen Cyanide