Self-Inflicted Hydrogen Sulfide Suicides on the Rise

Several apparent suicide deaths related to mixing common household chemicals have been reported by local media in the past year. This alarming news follows on the heels of 517 suicide deaths reported in Japan throughout 2008 attributed to inhaling hydrogen sulfide gas created by mixing household detergents. In 2009, one incident in San Jose, CA resulted in a hazardous materials lockdown of the hospital, diversion of incoming ambulances, and decontamination of nearly 100 persons that included rescuers. Ad hoc internet sites are felt to be responsible for disseminating harmful information related to mixing chemical products for this purpose. While there is no cause for widespread panic, symptoms can mimic carbon monoxide poisoning and EMS responders are encouraged to approach any closed, suspicious vehicle with extreme caution.

Tonight around 20:00 Station 44 was dispatched for mutual aid with one ambulance due to respond for a Motor Vehicle Accident with entrapment in Grove Township, Sinnemahoning. Chief 44-70 (J.Moate) and Chief 44-71 (S.Orlowski) responded at time of dispatch. Ambulance Crew arrived on scene and reported to Rt. 872 Command. Command asked for 1 Austin EMT to attend in the Emporium Ambulance, 44R25 (K.Day) attended. Remaining Crew assisted on scene until released by Sinnemahoning Officers.

Clinton Coutny, Pa. -- A Woolrich Volunteer Fire Company fire police member was fatally hit at the scene of a crash earlier today, according to WNEP-TV. Fire Policeman Donald Mellott, 62, was struck by a civilian driver while directing traffic around a two-car collision at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Lusk Run Road just outside of Mill Hall.

Investigators told the news station that the motorist drove through the traffic cones before the incident occurred. Mellott was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Woolrich Volunteer Fire Company Chief Brandon Coleman, called Mellott a close friend, according to the station. "Don was an excellent man to be with. He worked well, we worked well together through the fire police, in the fire company," he said. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Tonight around 18:00 Station 44 was dispatched for a Snowmobile Accident in Wharton Township. Chief 44-30 (J.Burgett) and Chief 44-70 (J. Moate) responded at time of dispatch. Ambulance 44-6 with Chief 44-71 (S.Orlowski) was standing by in under a minute. Ambulance 44-6 (Chief 44-60, Chief 44-71) responded momentarily followed by Rescue 44-8 (Chief 44-10 and Lt. 44 (S. Frank) w/UTV 44-14 and two EMT's. Chief 44-30 responded to scene, requested a helicopter be put on stand by and set up Wharton Command. Ambulance 44-6 and UTV 44-14 both staged at the intersection of Rt. 872 and Elk Lick Road. Ambulance Crew then continued into scene in Rescue 44-8. Rescue 44-8 and Ambulance Crew arrived to find patient had fled scene. Chief 44-30 (J.Burgett) recalled Station 44 and all units returned.

Wharton Command - Chief 44-30 (J.Burgett)

Units Onscene- Ambulance 44-6, Medic 6, Rescue 44-8, UTV 44-14

Chief Officers- Chief 44-10, Chief 44-30, Lt. 44, Chief 44-60, Chief 44-70, Chief 44-71