The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities, with fentanyl playing a significant role in the epidemic. Fentanyl is alarmingly potent—50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just 2 milligrams can be lethal.
Fentanyl’s Impact on the Body
Fentanyl attaches to brain receptors responsible for breathing, causing breathing to slow and eventually stop. This happens while the person is in such a euphoric state that they cannot react in time. Many street drugs coming into the U.S. from Mexico and China are laced with fentanyl, exacerbating the crisis.
Opioid Addiction in the Workplace
Many employees dealing with workplace injuries have taken opioids and become addicted to them. The construction industry, in particular, leads all industries in opioid overdose deaths.
Signs & Symptoms of an Overdose
- Shallow breathing
- Constricted (pinpoint) eye pupils
- Clammy skin
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone, approved in spray form in 2015, can rapidly reverse the effects of fentanyl. Studies show Naloxone reduces fatal overdoses by 27-46%. It poses no harm to those it is administered to and can be given in multiple doses minutes apart. Naloxone remains effective for three years and should be stored at temperatures between 65-75°F.
Employers can purchase Naloxone and receive web-based training for administering it at SafeProject.us. The Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace (www.answ.org) is another valuable resource for safe use and storage of Naloxone. Most states, including Pennsylvania, have Good Samaritan laws protecting those who administer Naloxone during an overdose.
Conclusion
Most companies have first aid kits and AEDs on their job sites. Naloxone should be considered essential emergency equipment. For many companies, it’s not a matter of if they will encounter a fentanyl overdose, but when. Taking proactive steps to include Naloxone in your emergency response plan can save lives.
