Police1 has learned from several reliable sources that a new way to commit suicide has been discovered which can cause a serious safety hazard to first responders. A compound created by mixing two over-the-counter chemicals produces “heat and a flammable, noxious gas that causes the subject to pass out and the heart stop within minutes,” according to documents obtained by Police1. “The process appears to be quick and painless.”
The two chemicals, which can be easily obtained in stores, are Bonide, a sulfur spray used as an insecticide for fruit trees and hydrochloric acid (also known as muriatic acid and spirits of salt).
Two recent cases, one in Pasadena, Calif. and the other at Lake Allatoona in Bartow County, Ga., involved young men in their early 20’s. Both individuals were found inside their locked cars. The cars were filled with chemical gasses. In each instance, the men left a note on the car warning of danger. The car at Lake Allatoona had been taped to prevent the noxious gases from escaping.
Street Survival Instructor Dave Smith tells PoliceOne: “I don’t know how widespread this may become, but we need to be aware of any possible suicide call involving closed spaces such as vehicles and sealed rooms. What bothers me is that normally, these calls are simply preceded by panicked loved ones with no further input. Call takers will have to be advised about this.”
A newspaper article and pictures regarding the suicide in California is available here.
A newspaper article and pictures regarding the suicide in Georgia is available here.
The following is some of the text sent to Police1 by numerous sources. We will continue to investigate this matter and provide updates as they become available.
Does this sound like a routine call that most of us would respond to and take similar action?
It’s Sunday morning 0730 hours, you respond to a person down in auto. You locate a car in the empty parking lot of a business. The engine and med unit pull up near the vehicle and personnel see a person inside that appears to be asleep or unconscious. Wearing safety glasses and medical gloves, you walk up to the car and knock on the window.
The patient does not re spond to your knock on the window, and the doors are locked.
What action will you take? Will you hurry to make patient access? Will you use a lockout tool, center punch, or halligan to make entry?You make access, a rush of warm air comes out of the vehicle and you smell a sharp odor. You have just become a victim and have been exposed to a noxious possibly fatal gas.
What could you have done differently? You are the first-in unit. How should you respond to this type of incident?
1. Do not become complacent! Your response should be similar on every call.
2. Be well trained, know your job, do your job.
3. Start your size-up from the time a call is dispatched.
4. Establish a strong command and control the scene.
5. Don’t go rushing in.
6. Survey the scene.
7. Does the scene look routine?
8. Do you see anything unusual? (Example: A note on the window, containers inside the vehicle and taped windows or vents).
9. Is the scene safe?
10. Wear the appropriate PPE.
11. Establish a Hot Zone.
12. Develop a plan of action and coordinate activities.
13. Call for additional resources. (Hazmat Team, PD, etc.)
14. Did PD arrive prior to FD and become contaminated requiring emergency decon and first aid?The call listed in the first paragraph of this document started as a routine person down call. This type of incident can easily expand into a full blown Hazardous Materials Incident with a multijurisdictional response. Be aware of this new way to commit suicide and don’t become a victim. Use common sense and stay safe.
