DEA designs safety guidelines for first responders in Minnesota

Looking at the growing opioid crisis ripping through several states in the country, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has come up with a set of safety guidelines for first responders in Minnesota. These guidelines will help responders and will act as a safety guide, informing them about the dangers of exposure to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

The easy availability of the drug and its dangerous consequences has driven the DEA to release such guidelines. Fortunately, Minnesota has not witnessed any casualties so far and no responder has felt the heat. However, many police officers and investigators in the United States have had near death experiences on coming in contact with even small amounts of fentanyl and its analogs.

Catastrophic repercussions due to fentanyl and its analog carfentanil

The number of deaths due to synthetic opioids has surged in the last couple of years. The state has witnessed an influx of these opioids in recent times. The spate of overdose deaths due to opioid abuse has significantly risen in the state. According to Hennepin County medical examiner, 11 deaths have already taken place in the state due to carfentanil.

In fact, carfentanil is a legal tranquilizer for large animals like elephants and is more potent than other opioids. Another threat is that, like fentanyl, carfentanil is mixed with heroin because it is cheaper for drug peddlers to manufacture, transport and sell. People buying these street drugs are unaware of the threat and the extent of lethal doses of a highly dangerous opioid.

Few key takeaway points

The safety guidelines mention that first responders, law enforcement, jail intake and emergency room personnel are at immense risk once they came in contact with the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

The DEA warned that any substance suspected to be fentanyl should be checked well because one can take it orally, inhale it through the nose or mouth and absorb it through eyes or skin. Extreme caution needs to be adhered to while handling a suspected fentanyl or carfentanil overdose case.

The brief carries a warning that even a minuscule amount is enough to cause significant health-related issues or even death. It also mentions the variations of synthetic opioids, including powder, pill, liquid, capsule or on blotter paper. While buying fentanyl during covert operations, undercover agents are also at risk of exposure, which can cause great damage. Even sniffer dogs are vulnerable to such an exposure and may suffer.

The DEA brief contains plenty of tips about what to do when exposed to the drug and ways to handle synthetic opioids safely. Local agencies are trying their best to train people who work in handling overdose cases.

Dealing with addiction

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 33,091 opioid deaths in 2015, one-third of which were caused by synthetic opioids. The DEA in 2014, created a heroin-fentanyl task force to “facilitate a whole government approach” and tackle the opioid crisis. It says that opioids are still a significant contributor to overdose deaths in the country.

Addiction is treatable with timely intervention. One should seek treatment at the earliest before it gets too late. Sovereign Health is a leading substance abuse treatment provider in the U.S with centers like the mental health facilities in Fort Myers. We also specialize in behavioral treatment programs. If a loved one is in need of any treatment for abusing any substance, call our 24/7 helpline number or chat online for a quick resolution. Our drug treatment centers in Fort Myers are among the best in the country. One should not delay or things can get out control.