DB 18-14 - Fentanyl

Question 1

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has estimated that as little as ____ to ____ milligrams of illicit fentanyl may be enough to cause respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, and/or possible death.

By comparison, this equates to roughly FIVE to SEVEN individuals GRAINS of table SALT.

Answer 1

2 to 3 milligrams

Question 2

Fentanyl absorption into the body can occur by multiple means including:

Answer 2

-injection
-oral ingestion
-inhalation (airborne powder)
-through contact with skin and/or mucus membranes.

Question 3

illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances have been distributed in various forms including:

Answer 3

-powder
-pill
-capsule
-liquid
-aerosol
-even adhered to blotter paper.

Question 4

The appropriate measures of caution when dispatched to a reported overdose or any contact with a patient displaying signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include:

Answer 4

-Situational Awareness
-Symptom Recognition
-PPEs
-Hazmat
-Decon

Question 5

Possible Fentanyl OD measures:

Situational Awareness – Always approach being mindful of your surroundings .

Avoid any unnecessary contact with items that could be contaminated and never reach into a patient’s ______ for identification or paraphernalia.

Answer 5

Pockets

Question 6

signature opioid (fentanyl) symptoms include:

Answer 6

-altered level of consciousness
-decreased respirations
-pinpoint pupils
-disorientation
-dyspnea
-Impending doom

Question 7

Due to the extreme potency of illicit fentanyl, repeated dosages of ________ may be required to restore normal body function.

Answer 7

naloxone (Narcan)

Question 8

What are the minimum PEEs when attending to a patient with signs and symptoms of opioid overdose?

Answer 8

At minimum:

-nitrile gloves
-eye protection
-P-100 mask

Question 9

In addition to the minimum PPEs for opioid overdoses:

When encountering unknown powders, the DEA also recommends donning ______ and ______.

Answer 9

-disposal paper coveralls

-disposal shoe covers.

Question 10

Consider a rapid extraction to a clean area prior to initiating resuscitative measures.

Any situation involving gross contamination of suspected fentanyl should prompt a _______ response.

Answer 10

-hazardous materials response.

Also includes requesting a law enforcement HazMat assignment.

Question 11

Under what circumstances should members attempt to gather or clean any suspicious substance?

Answer 11

Under no circumstances

Question 12

Decon after opioid (fentanyl) exposure:

Hand sanitizers SHOULD NOT be used as they may contain _______ which can increase the absorption of fentanyl through the skin.

Copious amounts of soap and water are recommended in lieu of sanitizers.

Answer 12

-Alcohol

Question 13

Decon after opioid (fentanyl) exposure:

The DEA recommends that anyone who has entered a grossly contaminated environment or otherwise exposed to a suspected fentanyl-related LAB or MILLING OPERATION without proper HazMat level Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) should undress and undergo proper _________.

Answer 13

-HazMat decontamination

It is also recommended that grossly contaminated clothing be bagged and DESTROYED.