BAYTOWN, Texas - The Baytown Fire Department said they were at the scene of a HAZMAT incident at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital on Friday morning.
Around 8:30 a.m., the BFD responded to an unknown medical problem at ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant in the 3500 block of Decker Drive.
When they arrived, they reportedly found a man in cardiac arrest and proceeded to provide patent care. The man was taken to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital located at Garth Road and Baker Road where he was later pronounced dead.
Reports say firefighters smelled a chemical odor from the man and ambulance, so they initiated a HAZMAT response to the hospital to assess the area.
The hospital released a statement saying they received a patient from EMS with a suspected HAZMAT exposure.
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As a precaution, the Emergency Room at Houston Methodist was shut down around 11 a.m. to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
Officials say five Baytown Fire Department personnel were exposed to the patient and were held for decontamination and health monitoring. After medical clearance, all department personnel returned to duty, reports say.
HAZMAT crews reportedly conducted metering in the hospital and after three hours of ventilation and monitoring, levels were determined to be safe.
The hospital emergency room was cleared to reopen and confirmed they are in the process of returning to normal operations
Houston Methodist Baytown released this statement which read:
The Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital’s Emergency Department received a patient from EMS with a suspected HAZMAT exposure. In coordination with Baytown Fire Department and its HAZMAT team the hospital diverted ambulance traffic and closely monitored access for all visitors to the emergency room to ensure their safety. The emergency room did not close. After investigating, the Baytown Fire Department and HAZMAT team has cleared the emergency room to resume normal operations. Any additional questions should be referred to the Baytown Fire Department.