BOONE COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT HAZMAT REFRESHER CHEMICAL

BOONE COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT HAZMAT REFRESHER CHEMICAL SUICIDE

Purpose Provide firefighters with a guideline for identifying key components of a chemical suicide and then tools to handle those incidents

Not just your “typical” Emergency: 32 B 03 – MAN DOWN UNK PROBLEM 60 D 4 O – GAS ODOR INSIDE

USE CAUTION

BE ON YOUR TOES • Unconscious Individuals • Tape over vents, doors, and windows • Suicide Note • Posted Warning to First Responders of Present Danger • Chemical containers in and around the vehicle or room • Smell of Rotten Eggs

H 2 S Common Name: HYDROGEN SULFIDE DOT Number: UN 1053 NAERG Code: 117 CAS Number: 7783 -06 -4 Hazard rating: NJDHSS NFPA FLAMMABILITY: - 4 REACTIVITY: - 0 FLAMMABLE -EXPLOSIVE

Chemicals Used Include but NOT limited to: • Bonide Sulfur Spray. Insecticide • Hydrochloric (Muriatic) Acid (Pool Chemical) • Toilet Bowl Cleaner • Laundry Detergent

Mechanism of Action How it works • Acts as an irritant and chemical asphyxiant • Acts as a relaxant of smooth muscle---Vasodilator • Mitochondrial Poison (Similar to Cyanide) • Prevents oxygen transport by binding with hemoglobin in red blood cells • Once in the body it is rapidly distributed to various organs – CNS, Lungs, Liver, etc. Naturally Produced in the Body • High values present in people who have: – Alzheimer’s Disease – Down Syndrome – Type 1 Diabetes

Interventions • Set Parameters • Establish a HOT zone • 100 meters minimum • Emergency Decon? • EMS • High Flow 02 • H 2 S acts like Cyanide poisoning and binds with hemoglobin IDLH 100 ppm 700 ppm 1 breath = DEATH

What’s that Smell? • Plant and Animal Breakdown • Swamps / Bogs • Hot Springs • Waste Disposal • Sewers • Paper Manufacturers • 0. 13 ppm

Sugar Creek, MO Dec. 22, 2009 § A man used hydrogen cyanide chemicals to kill himself in a confined pickup truck. § Four responders and a family member were exposed to the toxic gases from inside the vehicle. § All five were just taken to the hospital as a precaution. § No warning note was found on the truck. § The man worked in a lab and had access to cyanide. § Two containers were found in the truck