Tactical Fire Problem - Refrigeration Leak

Not really a fire problem this week, sort of a Haz mat or medical emergency.
You receive a medical call for your local supermarket for someone feeling weak and dizzy. While EMS is enroute you begin receiving additional calls.


1.) What are your initial actions?

2.) What are the additional resources you would call for?

3.) Do you know what refrigerant is used in these coolers, and what does the system schematic look like?

4.) Is the product toxic? Does it just displace oxygen? Is there any odor to the product? Is it a huge refrigeration system that uses ammonia?These are all things that you might be able to determine through pre planning ahead of time. We often pre plan the building but we should take a look at all systems that introduce products inside of a building through pipes, vents, conduits.

5.) On a crowded Saturday morning, how many people are actually exposed or contaminated, versus the folks that might have "sympathy" sickness from watching this incident. Triage will be a major consideration. Because this is a grocery store, are there any other considerations or agencies to be called after the incident is stabilized?

Stay Safe, and stay thinking!

Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013