22/October/2016 – HazMat Response at Hospital – “A” Shift

Incident # 16-06941 – A suspicious package brought into the Emergency Department at Colleton Medical by a patient, triggered a HazMat response, closing the ED for over an hour Saturday evening 22-October. The incident began just after 17:00, when two people went to the ED with complaints after opening a package received from overseas. They brought the package into the building with them. Hospital staff contained the package in the exam room and contacted 9-1-1. Firefighter-Paramedics and the HazMat Team from Fire-Rescue, as well as Walterboro Police and Fire Dept responded. The east end of the hospital parking lot and building were closed and some Emergency Department functions were shifted to the Care Unit in another section of the hospital so the ED could still operate and serve patients. HazMat Technicians, wore level “B” non-encapsulating suits to enter the building and examine the contents of the package. Crews used a HazMat ID and several other devices to check the material and determine it was not dangerous. The product proved to be non-hazardous. One ambulance was diverted to Trident Medical Center during the incident. After an hour and a half, the Hospital was cleared to resume normal operations. Since the people live outside the City Limits, the Sheriff’s Office Investigators responded and took over the case. Postal Inspectors are also involved in the investigation.

HazMat 19, HazMat 1906, Battalion 1, Squad 27, Car 12, Car 105, Car 118, Walterboro Engines 1, 2 & 3 responded. Deputy Chief Dr. David Greene served as HazMat Branch Supervisor.