FREAK ACCIDENT | Police doctor dies after inhaling disinfectant at quarantine facility

by (Reports from Pat Mangune | Katrina Elaine Alba/MM)

June 07, 2020 – The medical doctor inspecting a quarantine facility died after inhaling a disinfectant solution, prompting the national police to review its safety protocols, a national police chief said on Sunday.

Police Captain Casey Gutierrez accidentally died a week ago after he was sprayed with sodium hypoclorite, a disinfectant used to clean quarantine facilities in the capital region.

Two other officers from the national police medical reserve force who was with the medical officer were also hospitalized after inhaling the solution at the Philippine Sports Arena.

The sporting facility was converted into a treatment area as well as for monitoring of probable coronavirus patients.

“The PNP mourns the death of Dr. Casey Gutierrez and I have ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.” General Archie Gamboa said. “All efforts must be exerted to ensure that no similar incident happens in the future.”

The police have asked help from the Department of Health (DOH) to look into the incident. It has also started reviewing security protocols to ensure personal safety and security.

The national police said the units assigned to maintain and operated different quarantine facilities also used different chemical solutions as disinfectants.

The solution used in the Philippine Sports Arena had a different provider, compared to the disinfectant used in the Philippine International Convention Center, which was noted to be hypoallergenic and biodegradable.

The PNP also reminded police health care personnel and frontline medical units to be mindful of safety procedures in the workplace to avoid repeating such incidents.