An assistant ice rink manager suffocated from lack of oxygen when he tried to stop a refrigeration system gas leak.

The system had been leaking CFC-22 for hours when a maintenance supervisor, a maintenance worker and the victim entered the compressor room through self-closing doors. All three lost consciousness.

Emergency personnel rescued and resuscitated the other two. The slipperiness of refrigerant oil covering the floor and clothing made the rescue difficult. Firefighters wore full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus. The victim was not in plain sight, having fallen behind equipment and being covered with refrigerant mist, so he […]