The number of overdoses in the U.S. is growing at an astonishing rate. It’s estimated that 1.7 million people suffer from substance disorders. As deaths related to the opioid overdose continue to grow, it has reached the point that it’s now causing a decline in the life expectancy of Americans. In 2016 alone there were more than 65,000 killed due to overdoses – that number is higher than the American death rate during the Vietnam War. As the epidemic continues to grow, there are more and more threats appearing that we never thought of before. Now EMS, police, firefighters, and even family members who could come across an unknown substance may be at risk. In a time where first responders need to worry about drug exposure every time they approach a scene, it is reassuring to know that protection equipment and precaution measures have improved. As the drugs on the market continue to grow strong, accidental exposure is a real threat. Understand the epidemic at hand and how important proper protection is when responding to a situation where drugs or unknown substances are present is vital. The Opioid Epidemic The opioid epidemic is not necessarily a new topic in our country. Since the late 1990’s, there has been an increase in the use of opioids such as heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl. The introduction to these drugs can be traced back to misleading theories that they were not an addictive pain management solution. Something we know now to be untrue. Since the addictive nature of these products have come to light, there is a conscious effort by medical professionals to decrease the amount of drugs legally prescribed. Although efforts are being made to reduce access to legal opioids, the increase in illegal drug use will continue to fuel the opioid crisis. Identifying the Root of the Problem: Fentanyl Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 time more potent than heroin, has become one of the biggest concerns in recent years. This powerful drug can be found in a variety of forms and is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin. Often, users are unaware of this mixture and may not know they are ingesting fentanyl. This is one of the many reasons that the number of overdoses continues to grow. Opioid usage is killing more than 130 people in the U.S. every single day. In 2017 alone, it was reported that more than 47,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose. With the increased presence of fentanyl, the powerful drug can affect first responders, police officers, fire fighters, and anyone who could potentially come in contact with the drug. Fentanyl Exposure Precautions Anyone working in law enforcement, fire or emergency medical services needs to be aware of the potential dangers of fentanyl exposure. Unintentional contact with the drug can result in overdose symptoms for the responder. It could happen when an EMS is treating an overdose victim, a police officer is searching a home, or any other situation where the drug could be present. Inhalation of airborne powder is the most dangerous way to be unintentionally exposed to the drug, but it can also be transferred by skin contact. If you were to get fentanyl on your hands or gloves without realizing, you could accidentally rub your eyes or nose and it could become even more harmful. Anyone working in law enforcement, fire or emergency medical services needs to be aware of the potential dangers of fentanyl exposure. There are precautions that can be taken to lessen the chances of accidental exposure. This includes wearing the proper protection equipment when responding to a situation where drugs could be present, or carrying naloxone, a drug to help reverse overdose effects. Being prepared for any situation that fentanyl could show its face is vital to ensuring the safety of first responders. Protect Yourself Against Fentanyl With the opioid epidemic expected to continue and grow in the coming years, it is important to know what the proper protection equipment should be used. If you took a look at the supplies inside of an ambulance, you will be sure to find a few specific staples: Naloxone Respiratory protection Eye protection Nitrile gloves Each of these precautions provide protection from accidental exposure, but the nitrile gloves are often one of the most used items of the list. If there is even the slightest possibility that drugs could be the cause of the emergency or in the vicinity, nitrile gloves should be worn. Nitrile Gloves, Protection for Those Protecting You Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture-resistant than latex or vinyl gloves. This means when an EMS worker is at the scene of an overdose, the chances of their glove breaking and accidental skin contact happening is less likely. The gloves also provide an additional layer of coverage to a workers’ wrist and arms due to extended cuffs. Another scenario where nitrile gloves provide extra protection would be when a police offer is performing a search – whether it be a car or a home. The benefit here comes from the fact that nitrile gloves are available in black. This is useful to officers in this situation because they may touch a substance and not even realize that it is on their hands. With black gloves, it is easier to see a light substance on their hands. Moving Forward During an Epidemic As we come to understand and address the opioid epidemic in the United States, it’s important that first responders have the tools they need in the fight against opioid overdoses. As drug use has risen sharply in the last 20 years, anyone who could potentially have contact with fentanyl will need to prepare themselves. The use of respiratory protection, nitrile gloves, naloxone and other protection products will remain a necessity in all medical, emergency, and unknown situations. Having access to products like nitrile gloves will protect you from accidental exposure to fentanyl or any unknown substance and will give you piece of mind. Featured Products
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