UPDATE 5/17/2025 @ 10:55 a.m.: Emergency medical personnel were dispatched at approximately 3:56 a.m., for a male resident experiencing difficulty breathing.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene a short time later to assist with manpower.
Upon arrival, the 911 caller was located on an upper-level of the home. While the two EMT’s and four firefighters treated the patient, some began experiencing symptoms, one firefighter got a gas meter from Rescue Engine 92 and upon re-entering the residence, they found readings of over 500 ppm of Carbon Monoxide.
All 7 subjects evacuated the residence and while suffering from symptoms, EMT’s rendered aid to the patient while firefighters got dressed in their SCBA gear and began a search of the residence while also evacuating nearby units.
Firefighters located a male victim unresponsive on the first floor and removed them from the residence where they immediately initiated life-saving measures, including CPR. Despite continued efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.
In total, 9 patients were transported with various levels of symptoms. Three were transported to the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown by ambulance. The 911 caller (adult victim), one Bay District VFD firefighter and one St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputy
Six were flown to trauma centers by Maryland State Police Helicopters Trooper 2, Trooper 4 and Trooper 7. Two EMT’s, four Bay District VFD firefighters.
The incident remains under investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Christopher Beyer at [email protected] or by phone at 301-475-4200, ext. 800.
5/17/2025 @ 8:06 a.m.: On Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 3:58 a.m., a resident in the 22000 block of Ventura Way in California, Maryland, called 911 reporting difficulty breathing. This dispatched one ambulance, one medic unit, and the fire department to the scene.
Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Ambulance 389, staffed by two personnel, responded alongside a medic unit and four firefighters from the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department on Rescue Engine 92. They arrived on scene around 4:04 a.m.
At approximately 4:21 a.m., first responders began experiencing symptoms of distress. Firefighters used a gas meter, which detected carbon monoxide levels of 500 parts per million (ppm) inside the residence. They requested the incident be upgraded, prompting the dispatch of additional firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Despite exhibiting symptoms, firefighters began evacuating the residence along with nearby homes and reported that CPR was in progress on an adult male patient. During further investigation of the home, responders discovered a running vehicle inside a closed garage. As additional medical personnel arrived, multiple medevac helicopters were requested due to the worsening condition of several first responders.
Maryland State Police Aviation Command responded with Trooper 2, Trooper 4, and Trooper 7, which landed nearby. The helicopters transported four firefighters from the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department and both EMTs to area trauma centers for hyperbaric chamber treatment, further evaluation, or as a precaution.
In addition to the six first responders airlifted, one St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy, one Bay District Volunteer Firefighter, and one civilian were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and precautionary care.
All nearby residents and additional first responders were evaluated on-site. Eight firefighters, four children, and five adults declined transport or did not require treatment.
After over 30 minutes of CPR, the adult male victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Maryland State Police, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies responded to assist with the ongoing investigation. Fire and rescue personnel from St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties also responded after a Mass Casualty Incident was declared.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.
(A hyperbaric chamber is a medical device used in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment, which helps to increase the amount of oxygen delivered to the blood and tissues. This can be beneficial for various conditions, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and non-healing wounds.)
PPM – Health effects and symptoms from Carbon Monoxide (CO) are based on the different levels and length of exposure as well as the patients age and health condition. The concentration of CO is measured in parts per million (ppm). The exposure of CO in the range from 1 to 70 ppm are uncertain but most people will not experience any noticeable symptoms. As the level of CO rises, and remains above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable and patients may have headaches, fatigue, and nausea. As CO levels increase even more to above 150 to 200 ppm, the concentration can become deadly if its persistent and patients will have disorientation, unconsciousness, or even death.
