Hazmat scare prompts ED evacuation

Healthcare facility located near Maryland military base


An emergency department in Frederick, Md., was locked down after two patients complained of minor burning and trouble breathing, according to an article on the HCPro website.
 
The two men experienced symptoms when they opened a package delivered to their home. The men brought the package to Frederick Memorial Hospital, prompting the hazmat response.
 
The ED was closed to new patients for about three hours. Patients already inside were moved away from the two men.
 
A hazmat team came to establish a decontamination tent in the ED, but the suspicious package was found to contain a common household chemical. 
 
 
 
 
 


May 11, 2017


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Mature Dry Surface Biofilm Presents a Problem for Candida Auris

Multiple methods are described in the literature, but no consensus has been reached for disinfection efficacy tests against biofilms.


Sutter Health's Arden Care Center Officially Opens

With an adaptive reuse of an underutilized office building, the 70,000 square-foot facility was renovated to meet current healthcare standards.


Insight Hospital and Medical Center Falls to Data Breach

The investigation determined that an unauthorized individual accessed the network between August 22, 2025, and September 11, 2025.


The High Cost of Healthcare Violence

As workplace violence increases, healthcare facilities face mounting financial and operational disruptions- prompting legislative action.


EVS Teams Can Improve Patient Experience in Emergency Departments

A report confirmed that cleanliness of the ED was the third most impactful element on patient experience surveys.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.