Several crews from multiple Fall River agencies respond to an incident that sickened multiple people including a paramedic.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, a call came in for a hazmat type situation at 101 Quarry Street.
According to Fall River EMS, Medic 5 was dispatched to the medical emergency for a patient with shortness of breath. Upon arrival into the home, the paramedic was hit with an odd smell which resulted in eye burns and vomiting. Squad 12 was immediately requested to the scene.
En route to the call, Squad 12 requested Fall River Fire Engine 2, Heavy Rescue 1, and Car 2 for a possible hazmat incident. The Fire Department entered the home to find the source that caused the patient’s shortness of breath and side effects to the paramedic. Fall River Fire was able to disable the source and ventilate the home. Fall River EMS was able to treat 2 dogs on the scene and turn them over to Fall River Police. 2 residents and 1 Fall River paramedic was transported to local hospitals.
Fall River EMS Medic 3, Medic 4, Squad 11, EMS 4, EMS 5, Operations Lieutenant, with Fall River Fire Department and Fall River Police Department were also called to the scene.
According to Fall River Police Lieutenant Matthew Mendes, the property owner hired someone to fumigate the residence due to a pest infestation. During the fumigation process, a Hot Shot fogger was used. The use of the fogger appears to have affected some of the tenants.
