New MN EMT danger: Chemical suicides

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) -- Authorities in eastern Minnesota say first responders are dealing with a new and dangerous phenomenon -- chemical suicide.

Washington County Sheriff's Cmdr. Brian Mueller says his department dealt with its first case over the weekend. A person had committed suicide by mixing household chemicals in a bucket, creating a deadly gas. The body of the man, from Prescott, Wis., was found in a car in Point Douglas Park.

Mueller says when first responders arrived they detected a faint smell of chemicals and called St. Paul hazardous materials squad. He says more training is needed for first responders because they "may not know what they're walking into when they open the car door."

Mueller tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press the haz-mat squad has dealt with similar incidents in the Twin Cities metro area.

___

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.