Real-Life Incident: Mason’s Story — High H2S Exposure

“Shortness of breath. Request EMS to the location.” How Real-Time Gas Detection Led to a Quick Save

Exposure to toxic gases can go from a strange feeling in your stomach to a medical emergency in an instant. Luckily, before Mason even had a chance to consider if his nausea was something to worry about, his Blackline Safety device had his back.

High Gas Threshold Detected

While working as a repair technician with a global tech security company, Mason’s wearable Blackline multi-gas detector alerted him to the elevated threshold for the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) with a reading of 10.2. This colorless, tasteless, hidden hazard could not otherwise be detected without a monitor. This triggered an automatic alert to Blackline’s Safety Operation Center (SOC). Within seconds of the alert, the SOC’s 24/7 live monitoring service called Mason on his device and he shared he was experiencing nausea and shortness of breath.

Whether your devices are linked to Blackline’s 24/7 live monitoring service or by your own command center, connected safety means your team is covered by real people in real-time — at all times.

Managing in the Moment  

The SOC agent guided Mason to leave the area and move upwind until detection levels dropped to zero, then stayed in connection with him to monitor his symptoms before making the next move. Despite moving a safe distance from where H2S was detected, Masons nausea and shortness of breath persisted. When he began to feel dizzy, and suggested his oxygen levels might need to be checked, Blackline’s SOC agent called emergency services.  

Help Is on the Way

Using real-time GPS data from Mason’s gas detector, emergency services were dispatched to Mason’s exact location and the SOC agent remained on the line with him. While Mason was still conscious, he began to experience cold sweats and coughing in addition to his nausea and shortness of breath.  

The SOC agent updated the EMS team enroute about Mason’s changing health condition and continuously checked on him, ensuring he remained responsive and alert until help arrived. Mason’s emergency contacts were also called and advised of the unfolding situation. 

Dispatch Success: EMS on Scene

Emergency personnel arrived within minutes and took over, checking Mason’s vitals. Mason updated the SOC agent that he was being taken to the hospital for further evaluation. SOC followed up with a call to the EMS team for confirmation and — satisfied that Mason was out of danger — resolved the alert.

Automatic Alerts Save Lives

Mason’s connected gas detector, with its automatic high threshold detection for H2S turned what could have been a tragedy into a rescue. Protecting your team means being prepared for anything — we've got your back.

Additional Real-Life Incident

Real-Life Incident: Nick’s Story – H2S Tragedy Averted Workers in the waste management, petroleum and natural gas industries – where H2S builds up in sewers or is a by-product of energy extraction – are particularly vulnerable. READ NOW

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