California officials are seeking the reason a woman's body emitted fumes that knocked out the doctor and nurse trying to save her - and led to the evacuation of a hospital emergency room.
The woman, 31, had been undergoing home chemotherapy for cancer.
She was in cardiac arrest and died shortly after Riverside General Hospital staff drew blood and tried to reduce stomach gases.
Dr. Julie Gorchinsky and nurse Sally Balderas noticed white crystals in the blood and an odor like ammonia before passing out.
They were unconscious at least eight hours.
Balderas was in serious condition Sunday; Gorchinsky in fair.
One theory: poisoning from organophosphorus, a pesticide ingredient.
None of the other 25 patients and staff, who were showered down in 40-degree weather, had serious effects.
A hazardous material team sought clues during Saturday's six-hour evacuation. "The scene was pretty chaotic for quite a while," said fire department spokeswoman Joan Letbetter.
The woman's body is in a morgue awaiting autopsy.
"We are trying to get background before we approach the body," said Riverside Deputy Coroner Alan Wesefeldt. "We don't want to put more people at risk."
