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Overdose deaths spiked around 28% between 2020 and 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for Health Statistics. Approximately 75% of drug overdose deaths during 2020 involved opioids.
A CDC report released Jan. 28 is raising the alarm about two potent synthetic opioid drugs - para-fluorofentanyl and metonitazene. The report warns about a sharp increase in law enforcement encounters with these two drugs across the United States from 2020 to 2021; and an increase in drug overdose deaths attributed to these two drugs, based on medical examiner reports from Knox County, Tennessee in 2020 and 2021.
Para-fluorofentanyl is a potent analogue of fentanyl. It has been in existence since the 1960s and is sometimes referred to as “China white.” Recently, this drug has begun to reemerge on the illicit drug market in heroin packets and counterfeit pills.
Metonitazene belongs to a class of synthetic drugs known as benzimidazole-opioids. It has been in existence since the 1950s and has recently been appearing in cities across the country as an adulterant in the heroin supply.
Each of these drugs on their own can produce respiratory depression leading to death. In combination with other substances, including other opioids such as fentanyl-related compounds or the adulterants that are often found mixed with these drugs, could cause serious adverse effects, posing an even greater potential harm to the patient.
When treating patients with symptoms of opioid overdose, emergency medical services (EMS) providers should be aware of the increased likelihood that either or both drugs may be present. Naloxone still serves as an effective drug to reverse these opioid overdoses; however, additional doses of naloxone might be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, metonitazene, or other benzimidazoles are involved or combined.
The CDC’s report references the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit, which outlines essential steps for first responders to take when evaluating and treating opioid overdoses, including when and how to administer naloxone.
For more information, see the CDC’s full report.
(Source: CDC)
The Superbowl is the largest sporting event in America, and it is also one of the most high-profile special events in the United States. In addition to the more than 80,000 spectators at the stadium, there are over 100 million more watching the event on live television each year.
Unfortunately, like any large event of national importance, the Superbowl is an ideal target for terrorists and other criminals. Event security is paramount, and security planning for an event of this magnitude begins well over a year in advance. Vigilant collaboration from multiple government agencies and the private sector is required to ensure the events’ safety and security.
While only a few major cities and metro areas in the United States are likely to host a special security event as big as the Superbowl, most jurisdictions will have a need for some level of security for a special event in their area, and this will require extensive planning and interagency collaboration.
The National Counterterrorism Center’s (NCTC’s) Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team (JCAT) produces several resources in its First Responder’s Toolbox series, which provide a great place to start if you are preparing for a special security event in your jurisdiction. Relevant First Responder’s Toolboxes include:
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) supports the planning efforts of state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) governments for special security events in a number of ways:
(Sources: Various)
Responding to emergencies is both rewarding and challenging work, and there are many potential sources of stress. Sources of stress for emergency responders may include witnessing human suffering, risk of personal harm, intense workloads, life-and-death decisions, and separation from family. Stress prevention and management is critical for responders to stay well and to continue to help in the situation.
On Feb. 23, from noon to 1 p.m. EST, the International Public Safety Association (IPSA) will host a webinar, First Responder Stress and Metabolic Dysfunction. This webinar will focus on the impact of the significant stressors experienced by first responders and how these stressors directly impact metabolic functioning. Specifically, the training will discuss HPA-Axis Dysfunction and how chronic stress breaks down the very system in the body needed for a healthy stress response. Symptoms of metabolic dysfunction and HPA Axis Dysfunction will be discussed, as well as behavioral changes and medical treatments that can help to offset the significant damage chronic stressors may create for first responders.
IPSA represents all public safety disciplines: law enforcement, fire service, EMS, telecommunications, public works (water, sanitation, and transportation), public health, hospitals, security, private sector, and emergency management.
This webinar is open to anyone interested. For more information and to register, visit IPSA’s webinar registration page.
(Source: IPSA)
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