Providence, R.I.-based Miriam Hospital went on a brief diversion Nov. 20 due to a possible fentanyl exposure, according to CBS and MyNetworkTV affiliate WPRI 12.
A hazmat crew entered the hospital's emergency room around 7:45 a.m., after a bag of unknown white powder found on an ER patient spilled, Brian Mahoney, deputy assistant fire chief in Providence, told WPRI 12.
The patient was isolated, and hospital staff wore masks to prevent exposure, Miriam Hospital CMO Dean Roye, MD, told WPRI 12. Incoming ER patients were diverted to other facilities while treatment continued as normal for those already in the hospital, according to Dr. Roye.
Officials said the substance tested negative for fentanyl, but could possibly be a cocaine mix, according to a tweet.by WPRI 12 reporter Alexandra Leslie.
The ER began accepting patients again around 9:30 a.m., a hospital spokesperson told WPRI 12.