The increased prevalence of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in the illicit drug market means that first responders need to understand how to protect themselves from exposure in the field.  Law enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel must balance safety with mobility and efficiency when responding to scenes where the presence of fentanyl is suspected.

The Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders provides unified, scientific, evidence-based recommendations to first responders so they can protect themselves when the presence of fentanyl is suspected during the course of their daily activities such as responding to overdose calls and conducting traffic stops, arrests, and searches. 

The Recommendations do not comprehensively address all scenarios. Other activities may require additional protective actions such as when conducting field testing, executing search warrants, collecting, transporting, and storing evidence, conducting special operations such as hazardous material incident response, executing search warrants on opioid-related processing or distribution sites, or participating in other tactical operations.

The Recommendations fall into three specific categories:

• Actions first responders can take to protect themselves from exposure.
• Actions first responders can take when exposure occurs.
• Actions first responders can take when they or their partners exhibit signs of intoxication.

Please click here to access a printable version of the Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders that is best suited for 8.5” X 11” paper.  Please click here to access a printable version that is best suited for 11” X 17” and larger.