Fentanyl Exposure Risks for Law Enforcement

About Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a prescription drug and a synthetic opioid with the same effects of morphine but at a much higher potency. Because it is so potent and readily available, the illegal drug trade is using fentanyl and fentanyl analogs as an additive ("cut into") heroin and other controlled substances.

The potency of these drugs has led to an alarming increase in overdose incidents and overdose-related deaths. Fentanyl poses a significant threat to law enforcement personnel and other first responders who may come in contact through routine law enforcement, emergency or life-saving activities. Fentanyl may be ingested orally, inhaled through the nose or mouth, or absorbed through the skin or eyes. Exposure to a very small amount may lead to significant health-related complications, respiratory depression, or death.¹

Resources for Law Enforcement

• US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Fentanyl Factsheet;
  • Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders  
  • Fentanyl: The Real Deal Video
• POST "Did You Know? Fentanyl Awareness" Video
• Orange County District Attorney's Office's "Fentanyl: A Toxic Opioid" two-part training video for officers and prosecutors, available via the POST Learning Portal
• Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) Fentanyl Safety for First Responders Website features Fentanyl basics and detailed information for safe handling, safety equipment, pocket guides, and more.
• PoliceOne.com Fentanyl Website offers numerous articles, columns, and videos.
• American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) Preventing Occupational Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analog Exposure to Emergency Responders
• Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) The Unprecedented Opioid Epidemic (pdf)
• The Interagency Board (IAB) First Responder PPE and Decontamination Recommendations for Fentanyl (pdf)

¹ From the US Dept. of Justice/DEA, Fentanyl: A Briefing Guide for First Responders