CHEMICAL SUICIDEThe Emerged Threat
Emerging
• Caught media attention after over 500 men, women and children took their own lives by mixing chemicals to create lethal gases in first half of 2008 in Japan.
• U.S. cases started to appear in Summer of 2008 in Pasadena, California.
Emerged
• 0615: Call is placed to Clemson University Dispatch reporting an unconscious person.
• CUFD-EMS and Central Police respond• Arrived and Entered Apartment • Noticed Chemicals• Exits the Apartment• Calls Fire and HAZMAT
Indicators
Considerations
• What resources are needed for this incident?• Who “owns” the chemicals?• Who declares the apartment safe for entry,
removal of items or for occupancy?• Who has a stake in this incident?• Are there codes or ordinances supporting
needed actions?• Where does Emergency Management fit in?