An entirely new take on the idea of universal precautions.....
https://goo.gl/YS5gswAccidental opioid overdose is an alarming phenomenon being seen more frequently among first responders, including police officers and paramedics, which is why the US Drug Enforcement Administration issued a warning to them this week.
Illicit fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, can be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It's also 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. That potency is what can cause police officers or paramedics to overdose if they encounter only a small amount of the drug.
The new DEA recommendations highlight the best ways to avoid accidental exposure to fentanyl-related substances. First, responders must be trained and equipped to recognize the hazard, and know how to put on personal protective equipment such as gloves, dust masks, safety glasses, paper suits and shoe covers. The level of the equipment may need to be increased or decreased depending on the situation.
The agency also recommended that first responders always have naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote, on hand. Additionally, the guide provides an overview of the methods for responding to a situation in which fentanyl may be present, how to identify and treat an overdose victim, and the ways drugs and other evidence should be collected.