11 officers at the Collins Correctional Facility were hospitalized on Sunday after chemical exposure to an unknown chemical substance, according to officials. The incident occurred while the officers were performing CPR on an inmate who had attempted suicide leading to concerns of possible exposure to fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
James Miller, the director of public relations for the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, confirmed that the officers were taken to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) for evaluation and treatment. However, it has not been officially confirmed whether the chemical substance involved was indeed fentanyl.
During the lifesaving measures, officers began experiencing symptoms such as lightheadedness and some even lost consciousness. As a precautionary measure, ambulances and New York State Police vehicles were dispatched to the scene, and personnel wearing hazmat suits were seen entering the facility.
Miller acknowledged that the issue of contraband being brought into prisons remains an ongoing problem with no easy solution. He stated, "Contraband, for years, has always gotten in there through packages. As much as there's been advancement to stop it, it still continues. It's almost impossible to stop it on some level."
The current statuses of the hospitalized officers and the inmate involved in the suicide attempt are unknown at this time. Updates on the condition of the officers will be provided as more information becomes available.