Fentanyls and the safety of first responders: Science and recommendations - Howard - - American Journal of Industrial Medicine - Wiley Online Library

Fentanyls and the safety of first responders: Science and recommendations - Howard - - American Journal of Industrial Medicine - Wiley Online Library

A new article by NIOSH Director, John Howard, MD, in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, “Fentanyls and the Safety of First Responders: Science and Recommendations”, provides an in-depth review of opioid pharmacology, probable routes of exposure related to specific job tasks, signs and symptoms of acute opioid intoxication, management of intoxication, and recommended exposure prevention measures.  Read more on the NIOSH Science Blog.

http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2018/06/26/fentanyls-and-first-responders/

Fentanyls and the safety of first responders: Science and recommendations

John Howard MD 

 

Jennifer Hornsby‐Myers MS, CIH

First published: 25 June 2018

 

https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22874

Read the full text

Abstract

Opioids have many beneficial uses in medicine, but, taken inappropriately, they can cause life‐threatening health effects. The increasing use of physician‐prescribed and illicit opioids, including highly potent fentanyl and its analogs, have contributed to a significant increase in opioid‐related drug overdoses in the United States, leading to a public health emergency. There have been a number of reports describing adverse health effects experienced by police officers, fire‐fighter emergency medical services providers, and private sector ambulance personnel when responding to drug overdose incidents. Several sets of exposure prevention recommendations for first responders are available from government and the private sector. Understanding the scientific basis for these recommendations, increasing awareness by responders of the potential risks associated with opioid exposure during a response, and educating responders about safe work practices when exposure to opioids is suspected or confirmed are all critical prevention measures that can keep first responders safe.

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