Residents hospitalized during bridge game

Three village residents were hospitalized on Aug. 15 after experiencing similar symptoms of illness while playing bridge at the John Anderson Recreation Center.

The residents, whose names have not yet been disclosed, complained of dizziness and stroke-like symptoms, and were taken by ambulance to the emergency room one by one that afternoon. According to Mary Schmeling, secretary to the Board of Trustees, Fire Chief John Thorp examined the building after the second ambulance was called, but found nothing incriminating. Thorpe’s inspection was repeated shortly thereafter by the Rockville Centre Police Department, who also failed to discern the cause of the reactions.

“I do know we responded, and they thought it was possibly a contaminant in the air,” said Lt. Chris Romance of the Rockville Centre Police Department. “A check of the air was conducted, and no contaminants were found.”

After the three afflicted residents were taken to the hospital, the Nassau County Fire Department Hazmat team was called in to inspect the air circulation system but found nothing incriminating. As a precaution, the building was closed immediately after the incident, but re-opened the next morning.