Fentanyl: Emergency Responders at Risk

Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — Content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (public domain).

About

  * Responders are likely to come into contact with a mixture of illicit drugs during routine job duties.
  * These mixtures of illicit drugs can include cocaine, methamphetamines, cannabinoids, cathinones, and opioids such as fentanyl and heroin for example.
  * Exposure to illicit drugs can be harmful. Although the components of illicit drug mixtures might not be known at the time, emergency responders can use the following information to learn about safe operating procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to incidents that may involve illicit drugs.

Recommendations

NIOSH offers the following recommendations to help prevent emergency responders’ exposures to illicit drugs, including fentanylA:

  * Always wear nitrile gloves when illicit drugs may be present and change them properly when they become contaminated.
  * Wear respiratory protection if powdered illicit drugs are visible or suspected.
  * Avoid performing tasks or operations that may cause illicit drugs to become airborne.
  * Do not touch the eyes, nose, or mouth after touching any surface that may be contaminated, even if wearing gloves.
  * Wash hands with soap and water after working in an area that may be contaminated, even if gloves were worn. Do not use hand sanitizer or bleach.
  * Take training on and follow NIOSH's recommended Standard Safe Operation Procedures below.

NIOSH has developed a toolkit for first responders to help with training on this topic.

Detailed Guidance

Standard Safe Operating Procedures

Recommended actions for emergency responders when illicit drugs are present

Potential Exposures and PPE Recommendations

Occupations with potential for exposure and recommended PPE by job category.

Training and Decontamination

Recommended training topics and tips for decontamination after exposure