 Websites advise patients how to mix various household chemicals to create hydrogen sulfide  Gives them access to warning signs that they can print out and post to warn responders (not always available)  Several Japanese websites provide detailed information on how to commit suicide and/or cause multiple deaths by hosting “Hydrogen Sulfide Parties”

The chemical suicide methods utilize chemicals with an acid base mixed with chemicals containing sulfur compounds such as the following: ACID BASE SOURCES  Muriatic or Sulfuric Acid  Battery Acid  Toilet Bowl Cleansers  Acidic Drain Cleaners SULFUR COMPOUND SOURCES  Polysulfide Marine Sealant  Lime Sulfur Spray  Japanese Bath Salts  Leather Tanning Agents  Detergents  Pesticides

NATIONALLY  03/27/2010–North Carolina- Note not present  04/13/2010– Indiana (Indiana University)- Note present FLORIDA  02/06/2010– Sarasota County- Note present  02/13/2010– St. Petersburg- Note not present  03/01/2010– Orange County- Note present  8/07/12010– Okaloosa County- Note present  10/01/2010 – St. Lucie County- Note present

 It would be difficult for terrorists to create fatal concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in large open areas because the gas would dissipate; however, terrorists could use it in enclosed spaces to cause disruption, panic, injuries or even death depending on the concentration levels of the chemical mixture.  There is no information indicating that a terrorist attack is imminent using this chemical, however terrorist training manuals have discussed using hydrogen sulfide gas in an attack.  The “Mujahideen Poisons Handbook” describes producing hydrogen sulfide gas by reacting sodium sulfide and sulfuric acid

Follow EMD/EFD cards: DO NOT ask the caller to touch a vehicle or open the doors. Listen to caller’s cues in regards to visible scene attributes to gain additional information:  Ask about any warning signs posted inside or on doors/windows, visible chemical containers, foul rotten egg or almond odor  Does the caller see any household containers that may hold chemicals, pails, buckets, pots or other containers where chemicals could be mixed  Relay wind speed and direction to responders

As a Telecommunicator, you can gather and distribute information to your field units that can be the difference between life or death for that responder. This information can only be obtained by diligent questioning of callers and consistent relay of additional information to responders and insuring that they understand that information.