The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) has incorporated fentanyl awareness into select training courses to address the threat of accidental exposure to the drug by first responders.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is so toxic that only two milligrams is considered a lethal dose. First responders around the nation have encountered fentanyl in powder and liquid forms, and on discarded needles which presents a hazard from accidentally inhaling the opioid or being stuck by a needle.
The CDP’s fentanyl lecture focuses on preventative measures responders need to take to protect themselves from exposure and contamination and includes a fact sheet for future reference.
Currently, the fentanyl lecture is included in four CDP courses covering law enforcement, emergency medical and hazardous materials operations for CBRNE incidents. The CDP is looking to incorporate fentanyl awareness training into additional courses.
The topic is also the subject of a recurring lecture in the CDP’s weekly Evening Lecture Series which is offered to all CDP resident students, regardless of specialty.
The CDP provides advanced all hazards and mass casualty training to 50,000 emergency responders annually.
For more information about the CDP and its courses, visit https://cdp.dhs.gov/find-training.