1. Chemical Suicides AKA “Detergent Suicides”
Silver Cross EMSS
EMD CE
January 2015

2. According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US and the numbers have been increasing since
There is 1 suicide for every 25 attempts.
Men are nearly 4 times more likely to die by suicide but women attempt 3 times as often.
Chemical suicide originated in Japan in and started in the US in 2008.
Suicide Stats

3. Method of suicide being promoted by some internet sites as “painless, clean and beautiful”
How-to Instructions are readily available
Chemicals are easily obtained
Increased media coverage will lead to an increased awareness of additional suicide methods
Chemical Suicide

4. 80% of chemical suicides have resulted in injuries to bystanders or responders
Safe responses to these high risk emergencies requires basic awareness and training
Your questioning of callers and relaying of scene information, will be important for first responders
Chemical Suicide

5. Hydrogen Sulfide, has the highest rate of occurrence and the most media and internet coverage.
Recipes for other toxic gases, such as Hydrogen Cyanide or Methyl Bromide also exist.
Other blogs and websites promote chemical asphyxiates, Helium or CO.
Chemical Suicide

6. Colorless and smells much like rotten eggs
Colorless and smells much like rotten eggs.  It can be detected by the human nose at concentrations between .13 and 100 parts per million (ppm).  At levels above 100 ppm and with exposures from three to 15 minutes, there is a paralysis of the olfactory nerves, which shuts down the sense of smell.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

7. The concoction Mix Produces Acid and base ½ cup of each
Hydrochloric acid
Sulfur compound
Acid and base
Exothermic
Somewhat violent reaction
½ cup of each
Produces
1000 ppm
Average sized vehicle or 3,500 cubic feet of a confine space
The concoction

8. Typical Chemicals Used
Acid Sources
Muriatic acid
Sulfuric acid
Lysol disinfectant
Lysol toilet bowl cleaner
The Works, toilet bowl cleaner
Kaboom Shower, Tub and Tile cleaner
Tile and Stone cleaners
Sulfur Sources
Artist oil paints
Dandruff shampoos
Pesticides
Spackling paste
Latex paints
Garden fungicides
Lime Sulfur
Bath Salts
Typical Chemicals Used

9. Most cases to date have occurred in closed vehicles with warning signs left by victims.
Other documented cases have been in closets, bathrooms, apartments, dorm rooms or hotel rooms and some have been without warning signs. Many of these resulted in exposure to others, including first responders.
Chemical Suicide

10. Exposure and Treatment

11. Thinking about scene safety!
EMS respond regularly for reports of a person unconscious in a vehicle.  In most cases, they will find the driver has a medical issue, is under the influence, or sleeping.  Unfortunately, chemical suicide is another scenario that can be very dangerous for responders. Careful evaluation of these types of calls will be key for responder safety.
Thinking about scene safety!

12. Warning Signs / Vehicle
Subject slumped over in the vehicle
Suicide notes taped to the window
Suicide note inside vehicle
Yellow or green residue or haze
Warning Signs / Vehicle

13. Warning Signs / Vehicle
Windows taped
Doors taped
Vents taped up
Occupant wearing goggles or gloves
Gas cylinders present
Warning Signs / Vehicle

14. Warning Signs / Vehicle
Tools used to mix the chemicals
Bottles of household chemicals
Containers used to mix the chemicals
Odor of rotten eggs or burnt almonds (cyanide)
Seeping liquids from under doorways
Warning Signs / Vehicle

15. If callers relay any of the information that indicates a chemical suicide, this is to be treated like a HazMat incident. Notify responders of any safety issues.
Advise callers NOT to approach the vehicle or open doors.
Advise them NOT to attempt to rescue or do CPR on unresponsive victims of chemical suicide.
If a victim is still awake, ask them to exit the vehicle and move to fresh air. Keep bystanders away from scene and victim, so they will not be exposed.
Questioning Callers

16. The following pages are taken from the NIOSH Pocket Guide and has Chemical Suicide Guidance information for Dispatchers and Responders. Zoom in or print out for a better view.
Resource

19. Sources ATSDR.cdc.gov NIOSH USDOT ERG CDC MMWR Sept. 9, 2011
Fireengineering.com
Firefighters Support Foundation
Google Images
Sources