First responders of all kinds have among the most dangerous jobs there are. Law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) often go into dangerous situations to help people. They can never predict what they’ll find there.
Increasingly, they’re having to face the danger of powerful drugs like fentanyl where even exposure to a tiny amount can be harmful or potentially fatal. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has been estimated to be 50 times stronger than heroin. It’s all too easy for first responders to be exposed to it without realizing it until it’s too late.
The head of the Illinois Department of Labor sounded the alarm several years ago when he said, “Our police, fire and medical first responders have extremely difficult jobs. But as they rush to save others’ lives, they need to also protect their own. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl are extremely dangerous.”
Steps to help protect first responders from accidental exposure
Comprehensive training is key to helping first responders stay safe while working in environments where highly dangerous drugs are or could be present. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a “toolkit” of training materials that departments can use. This includes information on the importance of the right personal protective equipment (PPE), how to avoid accidental exposure and even how to keep from bringing dangerous substances home on clothing or skin.
Some departments no longer field test drugs at crime scenes because even with PPE, there’s too much risk of exposure. The danger isn’t limited only to crime scenes. One Illinois police chief said, “My concern is officers who encounter fentanyl during a regular activity like a traffic stop. I don’t think they are prepared because they don’t know what it is at first.”
Whether a first responder is exposed to fentanyl through inhalation, ingestion or through the skin, if they get immediate treatment and are able to survive the exposure, they can still be left with serious long-term effects. That’s why it’s crucial to get the workers’ compensation benefits to which you’re entitled. If you have questions or concerns about these benefits, having legal guidance can help.
