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One of the new HART vehicles equipped by Excelerate Technology was at the centre of a major incident at Birmingham’s Bullring Shopping Centre last week.
The shopping centre was closed to the public after workers reported breathing problems prior to a partial reopening. The Bullring was evacuated and nine members of staff were treated in hospital for symptoms including breathlessness, nausea and dizziness after a suspected chemical contamination. Many more were treated at a temporary triage centre set up nearby.
The HART vehicle was deployed by West Midlands Ambulance Service which was called to the Bullring at 7.30am. A spokesperson commented that:
“Eight members of staff were suffering from nausea and minor respiratory complaints. All were assessed and treated by the doctor and ambulance crews before being discharged on scene.”
“The cause of a suspected petrochemical-based contamination, probably in the centre's ventilation or air-conditioning systems, remains unexplained. The fire service has carried out exhaustive checks on the building's systems and officers are satisfied there is an internal problem. Police will continue to work with the Bullring management team to determine whether the source of the contamination is accidental or malicious.”