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Officials review communications after 2 EMTs injured at ammonia leak

By Glenn Counts, wsoctv.com
By Glenn Counts, wsoctv.com

STATESVILLE, N.C. — Paramedics got one radio warning in 45 minutes that they were heading into a dangerous ammonia leak, Channel 9 learned.

Two emergency medical technicians had to be taken to a hospital after they responded to the call on Jan. 10 at Lineage Logistics on Taylorsville Highway in Statesville.

The hazmat situation killed a warehouse employee and another person was injured, as well.

Channel 9′s Glenn Counts asked emergency services officials if there was a communication breakdown that led to their injuries.

[ALSO READ: Investigators identify victim in deadly ammonia leak at Iredell County warehouse]

“Iredell says they can handle both medics if they want to go there,” the dispatcher told paramedics.

“Copy that. I've already been on the radio with them,” an EMT said.

The dispatcher informed the EMTs there was a firetruck on the scene and, “advised them you had a rescue situation and they should be suiting up.”

Ammonia is a dangerous chemical and can cause burns and even death.

Communications dispatchers told firefighters repeatedly that it was a hazmat situation but in 45 minutes of radio traffic that Channel 9 reviewed, the EMTs only got one radio warning, “It’s a hazmat, not an unknown medical.”

Officials said the paramedics did not enter the building and did not suit up. As a result, the EMTs were exposed to ammonia fumes.

"We take any lives and anybody's health and wellness seriously, so that is something we would always look at and see if there is anything we could have done differently," said Beth Jones, manager with Iredell County.

1 dead, 3 hurt after ammonia leak at Iredell County warehouse 1 dead, 3 hurt after ammonia leak at Iredell County warehouse

She said that the agencies that responded are starting their debriefing process, which is where they will review their response.

While the paramedics may not have been given much of a radio warning, they may have been advised directly to their computer by a message.

Officials are trying to determine if that level of communication was adequate.

“So, to be able to say they had this equipment or that equipment or shoulda, woulda, coulda, we’re not to that point yet,” Jones said.

The employee who died was identified as Anthony Lamattina.

His family is raising funds to bring his remains back home to New York. You can help by going to their GoFunMe page.

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