Paramedics share safety tips following tragic death after fumigation

THE Berea community was left reeling after the tragic passing of Musgrave couple, Nicholas and Matri Molver, on September 28. The couple passed away after a neighbouring flat was fumigated – leaving many questioning the regulations around the fumigation process and the health and safety of residents.

This week, Berea Mail reached out to the Netcare 911 Paramedics who responded to the Molvers’ Musgrave flat, to find out if there are any red flags or safety tips that can help community members identify a life-threatening situation.

While fumigation may lead to a strong odour in the air, Shawn Herbst, spokesperson for Netcare 911 Paramedics, said this is not always the case.

“Although common, not all fumigants and pesticides will have an obvious odour present,” he said.

There are, however, bodily signs that could indicate unsafe contaminants in the air.

According to Herbst, exposure to fumigants could produce the following symptoms:

• A burning sensation in the mouth, nose and eyes.
• Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea and chest pain.
• Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, incoherent speech and difficulty in breathing due to fluid build-up in the lungs.
• Liquid and solid pesticides can cause injury to the skin, which in certain incidents can enter the bloodstream, causing systemic effects.

“All of the above symptoms are not exclusive and would depend on the level of inhalation – mild, moderate or severe,” explained Herbst.

In some cases, there are no symptoms at all.

“Depending on the chemical agent used, symptoms will not always be noticeable,” said Herbst.

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What to do if someone needs help

When assisting someone who has been exposed to fumigants, it is important to follow safety protocols.

“It needs to be understood that getting close to or attempting to remove the patient without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) could very well be harmful to yourself. Be cautious when removing a patient from the source of the fumigant as chemicals may still be present on clothes, shoes and jewellery,” said Herbst.

He recommended calling Fire and Rescue Services immediately as well as paramedics.

“Fire and Rescue Services will have the necessary equipment and PPE to deal with the incident. Call Netcare 911 on 082 911 who will send a medical team to stabilise and treat the patient,” he said.

Avoid water when assisting a patient.

“Depending on the fumigant or pesticide, water is not always an inclusive method of treating an exposed person as some chemicals react to the water and speed up the process of gaseous release,” said Herbst.

How frequent are fumigation incidents?

According to Herbst, Netcare 911 Paramedics’ incidents around fumigation are on the rise.

“Netcare 911 does attend a fair share of fumigation incidents which have increased year on year throughout South Africa. Many of the cases are not always registered as an exposure to fumigation gases as many patients don’t even know they have been exposed and show very mild symptoms,” he said.

Health incidents are often linked to unregistered pesticide businesses.

“Of course, there are some unscrupulous operators within the fumigation and pesticide business who are not experts with years of experience in their field, so undoubtedly incidents will occur,” he added.

Emergency contact numbers

Netcare 911 Paramedics – 082 911
Fire and rescue services – 031 361 0000