Opioid Crisis: Protecting Our First Responders

Course overview

The increased availability of synthetic opioids coupled with the heroin epidemic has not only led to a significant increase in overdoses and deaths, but also an increased risk to first responders who must come into contact with these substances during the course of their duties. Exposure to small amounts, the size of a grain of sand, can lead to respiratory depression and even death. Proper identification and knowledge of the various opioids, signs and symptoms of exposure, and immediate life-saving measures to be employed in the event of exposure are critical to saving the life of yourself or others. Additionally, the likelihood of first responder exposure requires the implementation of universal precautions including but not limited to personal protective equipment (PPE), Narcan training, and specific procedures for testing of suspected substances .