Chemical Suicides

[mack]

We reviewed a recent Chemical Suicide (H2S) response our department had, during Haz Mat training. I believe there have also been 3 or 4 more in our area this past year. Anyone else seeing this sad phenomenon? Started in Japan several years back and is rapidly spreading in the US. 3 cases in 2008, 9 in 2009, 30 in 2010, ? in 2011. May be under-reported or hard to consolidate occurrences.

Firefighter threat: The chemical suicide responses

Analysts believe these cases are drastically underreported in the United States

www.firerescue1.com

There are web sites which provide how-to information. Components are readily available. Success rate very high. Dangerous for FD, PD responders. Oddly there are usually warning notes on cars and doors which provide warning and toxins involved. Car windows/bathroom doors are taped.

The case we reviewed, individual 20 y/o male sent email message to mother at 5 AM. She called local 911 at 8:30 AM when discovered. I believe our initial response included nearest Engine, Truck, with Rescue, Haz Mat, Chief, and many special units. PD had SWAT as well as many special units. Extended operation.

http://www.tcpalm.com/videos/detail/sheriff-suicide-chemical-rest-stop/

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[FDNY150]

I haven't had any that I know of while working the platform, but I did mention this to my tour last year.

 

[londonfireguy]

In London there have been manycases of this, wth a sharp increase this last year.

It seems statistically, that the most at risk first responders are Ambulance crews or police, who seem to be the first called to such incidents and the first to gain access to a property where such a suicide has occured,and discovering the room/door with a notice on it warning first responders of the situation, then the Fire and Rescue Service is then notified and we use our expertise and specialist equipmet and training to make the scene safe. In London we as an emergancy agency do not routinely attend medical calls, that is trictly the domain of the London Ambulance Service (the biggest free ambulance service in the world).

The situatin is obviously dfferent in te US,and indeed NYC where you guys are also first responders for medical cals, and may bethe first crews to experience such a situation.

Any warning sign generally is not on the outside/main entrance or visiblewindw of any property, as ths would alert anyone sooner than the unfortunate individual(s) wold want, sany signage is limited to the door into the actual withing the property involved, so responders will already be inside the property/hazard area before realising the situation in its entirety.

Outside the property it seems there is little to indicate a chemical suicide, looking for taped up windows/blacked out windows is a good indicator, it seems themost common room used is the bathroom, as its easy to insulate due to the bathroom design. If available, gaining visual access to any property before physical entry can only be a plus, looking through windows, letter box in the door if the property has a door letter box, and perhaps use of snake eye camera or simmilar through any letter box/opening isalso an advantage. Sadly, life saving is kind of academic in ths situation, as almost all atempts at chenica suicide see to be effective, and by the time any such situation comes to the attention of the emergency services, some considerable time has already passed since the attempt started, so unless there is obvious signs of life within such a property where it is believed a chemical suicide has taken place, obviously rushing in is not necassary, and should not be considered as an option.

JT