A precautionary lockdown at Ochsner Medical Center West Bank Campus in Gretna was lifted late Tuesday after staff reported a suspicious powder to authorities. The medical center's emergency department has since resumed operations, following examination of the scene by law enforcement and specialized response teams. During the lockdown, visitors were restricted while crews worked outside the ER along Belle Chasse Highway.
According to WDSU, the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office said the powder appeared to be linked to a package that originated in Plaquemines Parish, and Louisiana State Police were en route to test the residue. WDSU crews also observed a significant presence from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and the Terrytown Fire Department, and an environmental-response vehicle remained at the hospital while the scene was cleared.
Authorities Describe Response
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Chaun Domingue told WDSU, "We responded to the suspicious powder because apparently the package or piece of mail originated in Plaquemines Parish." He added that personnel from the state police Emergency Services Unit were assessing the situation and coordinating testing of any residue found at the site.
What Hazmat Teams Look For
Responders treat unknown powders as potential biothreats until laboratory testing proves otherwise, collecting samples under strict chain-of-custody procedures and sending them to reference laboratories for confirmatory analysis, according to guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The guidance notes that standardized sampling methods and close coordination among agencies are critical to protecting first responders and preserving evidence for any public-health follow-up.
Where This Happened And What To Do
Ochsner Medical Center West Bank Campus is located at 2500 Belle Chasse Highway in Gretna, according to Ochsner Health. Hospital public information, as reported by WDSU, said the emergency department has returned to normal operations. Anyone who was at the ER and has concerns is advised to follow instructions from hospital staff or law enforcement and contact Ochsner for updates. Public information staff for the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office are listed on the agency's Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office page for official contact details.
