NYU Langone’s Health Dialysis Center was evacuated by firefighters on Monday after several patients reported a strange odor and feeling sick.
The Mineola Volunteer Ambulance EMS crew responded to the dialysis center on Old Country Road around 11:30 p.m. on July 14.
The Mineola Fire Department and the Hazardous Materials Response Team from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office also responded.
According to Michael Uttaro, chief fire marshal of the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office, there was a strange smell at the scene reportedly making occupants feel sick.
Numerous ambulances were requested for the around 12 people reporting odor-induced illness.
The response team investigated the odor’s possible source. While the source remains unidentified, fire officials determined it was not a health hazard and did not find any hazardous materials released.
Patients were evacuated for precaution per the decision of the center’s emergency management representatives.
According to a statement from NYU Langone Health, the center was fully reoccupied two hours later, around 1 p.m.
“Following a thorough investigation by fire officials, the center is now fully operational, and all scheduled treatments are continuing as planned,” said NYU Langone Health.
The hospital said there were only minor interruptions to patient care.
