• About The Dagger
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

The Dagger - Local News with an Edge

  • Local
  • Politics
  • Schools
  • Sirens
  • Health/Food
  • A&E
  • Sports
You are here: Home / Sirens / Man in Critical Condition after Smoking in Harford Memorial Hospital Bed; Oxygen Mask and Blanket Caught Fire

Man in Critical Condition after Smoking in Harford Memorial Hospital Bed; Oxygen Mask and Blanket Caught Fire

January 10, 2016 By Dagger News Service 45 Comments

From the Office of the State Fire Marshal:

A 60 year-old man is in critical condition after lighting a cigarette in his hospital bed at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre De Grace late Saturday night.

Firefighters from Susquehanna Hose Company were originally dispatched for an automatic alarm at Harford Memorial Hospital at 10:42 PM. Upon arrival, they were notified a fire alarm pull station on the 3rd floor was activated. When firefighters reached the 3rd floor, hospital staff advised they pulled the alarm after hearing a patient scream “fire” in Room 302. Nursing staff subsequently discovered the patient with breathing difficulties and a small fire beside the bed consisting of a blanket and an oxygen mask. Staff also observed the oxygen tubing connected to the wall on fire as well. Staff quickly extinguished the fire and treated the patient accordingly.

Deputy State Fire Marshals were requested to investigate and determined the patient, Steven K. Bock lit a cigarette and in doing so ignited his oxygen mask and surrounding bedding material. While the room was equipped with sprinklers, hospital staff were able to extinguish the fire before enough heat caused the sprinklers to activate. Bock was the sole occupant of the room and was later transferred to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center. Bock is currently listed in critical condition.

Oxygen is not flammable and will not explode, however, an oxygen enriched environment can cause materials to ignite more readily and burn at a faster rate than normal. If oxygen is in use, the amount of oxygen in the air, furniture, clothing, hair and bedding materials is increased, making it easier for a fire to start and spread, thus increasing the potential for serious burn injuries or death.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

About Dagger News Service

Send Us Your News
tellus@daggerpress.com

Comments

  1. Nope says

    January 10, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    Smoking while on O2 in the hospital.

    SMH.

    Log in to Reply
  2. G Wilson says

    January 10, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    Has a whole page for himself in past criminal activity. I’m guessing he doesn’t have a Cadillac plan he is paying for out of pocket for his healthcare costs…..

    This is why your healthcare costs are so expensive.

    Log in to Reply
    • MacG says

      January 11, 2016 at 9:15 am

      We have a national health care system; it is ‘unmanaged.’

      Log in to Reply
    • SoulCrusher says

      January 11, 2016 at 1:22 pm

      More than likely he has Insurance provided by the state at no cost to him for expenses or medicine. I’ve got it through Med Star and I pay absolutely nothing at all and at the state’s expense……

      Log in to Reply
      • RTFU says

        January 11, 2016 at 1:35 pm

        Exactly…”State’s Expense” equals “Taxpayer Expense”.

        You are welcome.

        Log in to Reply
        • SoulCrusher says

          January 11, 2016 at 1:39 pm

          Well, I have NO INCOME. That’s the way it works. Since, I can’t work, the State gets to pay the bill. There you go thinking you have an interest in your “Taxpayer Money”. That’s not your money, its mine……

          Log in to Reply
          • Leroy Jenkinnnns says

            January 11, 2016 at 1:48 pm

            Another able bodied person who can read, write and do arithmetic (?) not working for a living?

            Hey, its America. Enjoy getting all your “free stuff.”

            May as well then crank up the thermostat to 85 and open all the windows since you’re not paying for it.

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 1:51 pm

            As long as its on your dime, I’m all for it…..

          • Why No Workee? says

            January 11, 2016 at 1:52 pm

            What prevents you from seeking employment, SC?

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:00 pm

            A felony Marijuana conviction, I’m a white male, I’m 43 and I’ve got a surgically repaired ankle that prevents heavy labor or continual standing.

          • Why No Workee? says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:13 pm

            lol…. I’ve worked next to people with WAY worse convictions then yours…. (and, they owned up to theirs….) Also, being a white male in his early forties gives you an advantage….

            Are you sure you’re not just taking the easy route?

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:19 pm

            Really, where do you work?

          • Open Your Eyes says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:29 pm

            Well…. that explains your aversion to Republicans cause Republicans don’t appreciate gold bricks and moochers and people who play the system like you try to play the Constitution.

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:31 pm

            Did you say something? I was swiping my EBT card getting some chicken up here at Walmart….

          • Nope says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:34 pm

            …Lead vocals in a Rush Tribute Band.

            lol…. we’re not very good, but what matters is we try.

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:41 pm

            I’m not very good a singing a tune. Never have been.

          • Nope says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:46 pm

            I disagree…. You’ve demonstrated quite the talent for singing the blues…..

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:48 pm

            Just trying to warn the public of criminal activity, that’s all….

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:51 pm

            @Open Your Eyes – Really, I thought you Republicans tried to pull the Constitutional Card on ObamaCare. How does it feel to know you are subjugated to an Unconstitutional Law that was affirmed by an Unconstitutional decision by the SCOTUS?

          • gitrdone says

            January 11, 2016 at 5:57 pm

            SoulCrusher…you have to much FREE time on your hands…if you did work it would be 8 & Skate

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 6:41 pm

            Whatever, if you don’t like it, talk to the Judge Carr and Tom Maxwell about it…..

          • jc says

            January 12, 2016 at 4:22 am

            SoulCrusher: – you really piss me off.

            At your age, I had a couple of minor strokes, that left me unemployable. I took the time to teach myself a skill that allowed me to start my own business, and have, since 1994 been an employer and a tax payer.

            The time you waste bitching about how wronged you are by the law in the State of Maryland could better be spent learning a trade and putting it to good and effective use.

            Please resign yourself to the fact that history is history, and fill the vacuum of your time becoming a productive member of society.

            I don’t like leeches, I never have, and you, by your own statements, fit into that category.

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 12, 2016 at 7:55 am

            Well, good for you. Unfortunately, I don’t believe a word you typed. I pray for a stroke, cancer or a heart attack each an every day. I never get lucky…..

          • PollyAnna says

            January 12, 2016 at 9:42 am

            …..Might want to reconsider that Lexapro, Sunshine. There’s a big, beautiful world out there filled with awesome moments.

        • SoulCrusher says

          January 12, 2016 at 7:36 pm

          Oh, I think you’re gonna make me cry. Such heart felt sentiment. I’m starting to feel all funny inside. Wait, No, that was a fart……

          Log in to Reply
          • Peter Puffer says

            January 12, 2016 at 8:18 pm

            Well, if you’re serious about it why wait for cancer? I have an Airsoft pistol you can borrow……. you can turn the lights down low and call them in…..

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 12, 2016 at 9:14 pm

            Such a hurtful comment. I feel threatened by you….

  3. HYDESMANN says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Smoking with a oxygen mask on. WTF?? What was he in the hospital for, incurable stupidity??

    Log in to Reply
  4. ? says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Whoever gave him the cigarettes should be sent the bill for the damage to the hospital and the expense of his additional medical care.

    Log in to Reply
    • SoulCrusher says

      January 11, 2016 at 1:18 pm

      I guess you feel they contributed to the delinquency of an Adult? Its not illegal to possess cigarettes or matches in the Hospital. It is illegal to light them up in a Hospital. It is extremely negligent to light up while near or using oxygen in a Hospital with ALL the other people in there. I don’t think the person who gave the guy cigarettes is guilty of anything except not believing this guy was stupid enough to light up in the Hospital. The guy who lit up is guilty of violating the Tobacco Laws that ban smoking in a public place and I believe he is guilty of some sort of Reckless Endangerment……

      Log in to Reply
      • Leroy Jenkinnnns says

        January 11, 2016 at 1:41 pm

        Hospital is private property. You’d have to be trespassed off the property at most.

        Police could not enforce Hospital Policy.

        Log in to Reply
        • SoulCrusher says

          January 11, 2016 at 1:47 pm

          No Havre de Grace Memorial Hospital is owned by the University of Maryland, making it public property or property open to the public. The Tobacco Laws are in effect anywhere that a property is open to the public and in a confined space. Good lord, you can’t even smoke in Camden Yards anymore! Do you actually think before you speak? Cause you don’t before you type….

          Log in to Reply
          • Leroy Jenkinnnns says

            January 11, 2016 at 1:50 pm

            It’s private property.

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 1:56 pm

            Really man? It doesn’t matter. Read the Clean Indoor Air Act….http://smoking.uslegal.com/smoking-regulations-in-maryland/

          • Leroy Jenkinnnns says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:00 pm

            Yes man, its private property.

            That’s great, going to write me a warning about smoking? Cool story.

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:18 pm

            No, they’re going to write you a citation and give you a fine. They can then tell you to NOT do it again and when you did do it again remove you from the premises and possibly arrest/charge you for refusing to obey a reasonable order.

          • Concerned citizen says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:31 pm

            Who is “they”? You mean the Police? Besides someone lighting up in their room and continue to do it, how much effort is going to be put into writing that big citation on someone smoking in the parking garage and leaving in their car?

            How do Police even have time to handle that quality of life enforcement between all the traffic accidents, ODs, and various other ” worse crimes” that tie them up all day?

            Look at how many people still smoke on the boardwalk in OC lol

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:34 pm

            Actually, ALL YOU NEED IS A PHOTOGRAPH! How do you think they enforce smoking on elevators? By the photograph from the camera in the elevator.

          • Concerned citizen says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:39 pm

            Photograph of me, then what? I park my vehicles where there are no cameras.

            Jason Bourne stuff next? MVA recognition picture?

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:46 pm

            The hospital staff has ALL your information. If you don’t see how that can get you in trouble then I just don’t know what to tell you. Instead of smoking, why don’t you beat your head against a brick wall. It’ll do you some good.

          • Concerned citizen says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:51 pm

            They don’t have my information. I’m just a visitor?

            You’re right though, a cigarette picture could easily be manipulated into a joint filled with marijuana. I definitely dont want that.

          • SoulCrusher says

            January 11, 2016 at 2:55 pm

            Well we couldn’t have that. Not the EVIL Marijuana Joint. No way….

  5. Forever Amber says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:59 am

    Who ever gave this man cigarettes and matches should be charged with criminal endangerment. Who is so stupid to give a sick man cigarettes anyway let alone when he is on oxygen?

    I know the nursing staff is overworked and underpaid. Wasn’t this man informed about what would happen if he smoked while oxygen was being administered? Weren’t there signs everywhere warning about the dangers associated with oxygen use?.

    I know the last time I was in Upper Chesapeake, there were signs everywhere about the dangers associated with oxygen – just as FYI.

    Log in to Reply
    • Leroy Jenkinnnns says

      January 11, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      How about personal responsibility? How about living in a civil society?

      Fuggin’ signs saying don’t smoke aren’t going to stop someone lighting up when they have nothing to lose.

      May as well trump up some charges to whoever sold the person the matches that gave it to the person in the article too.

      Hey, I forgot how to breathe air, can you help?

      Log in to Reply
  6. Leroy Jenkinnnns says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    I know, the Police should have been called to shoot the cigarette out of the guys mouth.

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sounding Off

  • “I can't wait to see what is in these emails that Bob is not wanting to share.”

    Bob Watch | Harford County Sheriff’s Office: Cassilly Administration in Violation of Maryland Public Information Act

  • “I like Gahler as well but don't forget he is backing his Sgt.Pennman who sits on the County Council. Pennman…”

    Lalta Durbal | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “This Cassilly/Penman spat I believe was initiated, at least in part, by the possibility of public housing projects being built…”

    Open Your Eyes | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “A plat revision reducing the number of lots is hardly worth you weeing your shorts over.”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “You do know there is a system in the county called “Fast Track”. Ask your buddy Euler, he’s already used…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Nothing at all suspicious about a property that has sat around for generations and then gets approved in record pace…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “The supposed development that everyone is referring to goes back generations. When 95 was built there were lots created by…”

    Dragonman | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Right you are. Pretty comical that Bob Cassilly has a business registered at his home address that is not his…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Quite a display of clownsmanship from Penman at last nights council meeting. Is he off his meds? You’re not in…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I don’t have a dog in the fight regarding the Cassilly v. Penman conflict. I hope it is resolved in…”

    Open Your Eyes | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Shenanigans? You’re hilarious.”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Yeah, that's the whole point. He is not any other county resident, he is the county executive and he and…”

    Happy Bob Real Estate | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “The amount of disinformation here is staggering. The land that is owned by Bobs family was actually platted for 14…”

    Dragonman | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “$145,000 for a part-time job and then demand more money? Pretty cushy spot he's in...maybe he needs to spend his…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Cassilly makes way over 145k and in fact took a cola double of what he gave county employees. You are…”

    JJ | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “@money tree OMG! Penman is paid the same sergeant's salary that every one else earns and a rate that is…”

    Where there is Smoke | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Good lord man, go back and read the claim being made. You folks are all over the map. First it's…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “@Money Tree Since you are so much in the know, Did Bob authorize the Administrator to sign as Bob Cassilly,…”

    Where there is Smoke | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “All that money must have you high. No one said executive forged a document. It is Bob claiming someone else…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I will repeat - you are aware that any approvals for development go through various county agencies to ensure whatever…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “He had plats expedited and also some things allowed to get more lots. His Planning Advisory Board appointee Amy O’Neil…”

    JJ | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Claiming the county executive forged a document could wind you up in civil court if you care to say that…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “You must be Bob with the name money tree since it seems to be raining down money on you and…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Ethics complaint stating Cassilly signed off on a plat for development that involves his family which has already been easily…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I read the Aegis article and it looks like Penman made his ethics complaint on Feb. 14 and Cassilly made…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

Recent Posts

  • Trio Arrested In Connection With Alleged Assault, Kidnapping In Darlington March 17, 2025
  • 3P: “Developers’ Exploitation Led to Missed Opportunity for Harford County” December 19, 2024
  • 3P Protect Perryman Peninsula: Developers Exploit Horse Training Facility to Push Illegal Freight Terminal Project September 5, 2024
  • Arrest Made in Aberdeen Triple Homicide; Victims Identified April 30, 2024
  • Harford County Sheriff’s Office: Cassilly Administration in Violation of Maryland Public Information Act March 25, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Cassilly: “Once Again I Find Myself in the Position of Having to Fend Off Personal Attacks” March 20, 2024
  • Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly February 28, 2024
  • Harford County to Purchase Land of Abandoned Eva Mar Development for New Public School in Bel Air February 27, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Cassilly Initiates Legislation for Comprehensive Zoning Review February 22, 2024
  • Edgewood Man Pleads Guilty to 1st Degree Murder February 22, 2024
  • Violent Carjacking in Aberdeen Leaves Man Injured; Victim Clings to Hood as Stolen Car Speeds Away February 17, 2024
  • Bel Air Man Found Guilty of Rape, Sex Offense, Assault; Faces Immigration Consequences February 9, 2024
  • Harford County Councilman Penman: “King Cassilly’s Intent is to Bully the County Council and Mislead our Community Members” February 6, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly Announces Opposition to Legislation Allowing Freestanding Accessory Dwelling Units in Residential Areas January 16, 2024
  • Harford’s Cassilly Delivers State of the County Address: Redirecting Government to Serve People; No Tax Increases, Public Safety Upgrades, New County Parks January 12, 2024
  • Confrontation Leads to Gunshot, Murder in Bel Air December 30, 2023
  • Woman Charged with 1st-Degree Assault for Threatening Rental Company Employees in Aberdeen December 19, 2023
  • Edgewood Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Rape and Intent to Distribute Cocaine December 11, 2023
  • Mother Charged with Homicide in Death of 3-Yr-Old Son in Bel Air December 4, 2023
  • Longtime Employee of Harford County Manufacturer Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for $20 Million Kickback Scheme December 1, 2023

Archives

Extras

  • About The Dagger
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Sign up for The Daily Dagger Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Daily Dagger and receive new articles by email.

Copyright © 2025 ·Dagger Press LLC · Log in

%d