Richfield Police Exposed To Dangerous Carbon Monoxide Levels While Saving Life

RICHFIELD, MN — Three Richfield police officers were exposed to harmful carbon monoxide levels this week while saving a resident’s life. On Aug. 21, 2017 at 2:54 p.m., Richfield police officers were dispatched to the 7600 block of Wentworth Ave on a report of an unresponsive male in the basement of the house. Shortly after arrival, units determined that the victim succumbed to excessive levels of carbon monoxide within the home.

Without hesitation, police entered the home to render aid. Officers located the victim in the basement. They carried him out of the home to waiting Hennepin County Medical Center paramedics.

Officers Dean, Bataglia and Stariha, risked their own health and safety to render aid and remove the male victim from the basement. All three officers were exposed to unsafe levels of carbon monoxide and transported to HCMC for evaluation and treatment, according to authorities.

Officers Bataglia and Stariha were treated and released. Officer Dean received additional treatment and was released later Monday evening.

The victim and his son were transported to HCMC for treatment. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Minnesota Patch, click here to find your local Minnesota Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook , and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Paramedics dispatched to the scene acknowledged that the three officer’s actions resulted in saving the life of the male resident, according to a news release.

In a statement, Richfeild Police Chief Henthorne said; “Officers Dean, Bataglia and Stariha knew the risk posed to their own personal safety. Nevertheless, they took decisive action and entered the home. The department is very proud of these officers. This selfless act of courage is a testament to the professionalism, dedication and commitment our officers display while serving the citizens of Richfield.”

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