NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Emergency crews faced a rapidly developing situation Thursday evening after an incident at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island prompted a multi-agency response, according to WJAR and details reported by That401Guy.
The North Smithfield Fire Department and Northern Control transmitted a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) after multiple nurses on the third floor began feeling ill, experiencing symptoms such as lightheadedness and dizziness.
Initial checks by first responders found no carbon monoxide readings in the basement or boiler room, leaving the exact cause of the sudden illness under investigation. Hazmat units and multiple rescue trucks converged on the facility, located at 116 Eddie Dowling Highway.
Authorities on the scene coordinated the evacuation of the hospital’s third floor. Early tallies indicate that four staff members and five patients—totaling nine individuals—are slated for transport to local hospitals for medical evaluation, though officials note these figures remain subject to change as the active scene develops.
Emergency management officials remind the public that the designation of a Level 2 MCI does not inherently mean death or severe trauma; rather, it is a protocol used by dispatchers to trigger and marshal the necessary mutual aid and resources from surrounding agencies.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
