The opioid crisis in America is staggering. According to the National Institutes of Health, every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids.
In 2016, synthetic opioids—primarily illegal fentanyl—surpassed prescription opioids as the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in the United States. This is no surprise, as fentanyl is 80-100 times stronger than morphine but considerably less expensive than illicit opioid pills or heroin. As such, fentanyl is increasingly accessible—and deadly.
Given the heightened awareness of fentanyl and the possibility of transdermal or respiratory exposure, many public safety agencies are exploring how to best protect their crewmembers. Fire department leaders need to understand the risks posed by fentanyl and train members on best practices related to PPE and decontamination processes to keep their firefighters safe.
This FireRescue1 guide provides essential information on how fire departments can assess the fentanyl exposure risks faced by their personnel and procure the appropriate protection and detection equipment.
Included in this guide:
- Key considerations before purchasing fentanyl protection and detection equipment, ensuring you understand your department’s specific needs and the capabilities of different systems.
- Essential questions to ask vendors, enabling you to gather all necessary information for informed purchasing decisions.
- A directory of fentanyl protection and detection equipment companies, providing a comprehensive list of reputable suppliers.
Download your free copy of the comprehensive “How to Buy Fentanyl Protection and Detection” guide from FireRescue1 by filling out the form today.