07/01/2022
Reposted from .prehospitalist
Let’s get to the bottom line first: the risk of clinically significant exposure to fentanyl by first responders is extremely low, even with incidental skin contact or inhalation (ACMT 2017). As of 2020, no “incidents” have been confirmed as opioid ODs. Most “exposures” present with symptoms of anxiety rather than signs of actual toxicity like respiratory depression - perpetuated by false info from reputable sources.
The facts:
👉🏻Even if the palms of both hands were covered in fentanyl patches, it would take ~14 mins to receive 100 mcg of fentanyl (a normal dose given for pain)
👉🏻At the highest airborne concentration encountered by workers, an unmasked person would require ~200 mins of exposure to reach a dose of 100 mcg
Where did the hysteria come from?
🤦🏻♀️In 2016, the DEA said “a small amount of fentanyl ingested or absorbed through the skin can kill you.” An associated video that was distributed widely features two officers who describe an “overdose” event after inhaling airborne fentanyl. They complained of loss of blood flow to the face, disorientation, and shortness of breath (all consistent with anxiety).
🤦🏻♀️In 2017, a video went viral (21 mil views) of an officer who “felt his body shutting down” from brushing white powder off of his uniform after a traffic stop. He received 4 doses of Narcan to be “revived,” but neither the powder or OD were ever confirmed by lab testing.
🤦🏻♀️In 2018, another video went viral after an officer received Narcan during a drug arrest. The substance was later confirmed to be m**h.
[insert other unconfirmed “incidents” here without signs of actual OD.]
✔️What does an opioid OD ✨actually✨ look like?
•Significantly depressed mental status or unresponsiveness
•Respiratory depression
•Pinpoint pupils
🙅🏻♀️What DOESN’T an opioid OD look like?
•Rapid heart rate
•Rapid breathing
•Anxiety & associated symptoms
Appropriate PPE should be utilized, but even in the event of accidental contact via skin or inhalation, the risk of any relevant exposure is very low.
✔️Don’t test it by snorting it.
✔️Don’t taste it.
✔️Don’t rub it in your eyes.
And don’t b