TAMPA, Fla – A Tampa Police Officer is recovering after an overnight exposure to fentanyl required Narcan and a trip to the hospital.
On Thursday, at approximately 11:00 p.m., an officer conducting a narcotics investigation was testing a substance that was believed to be Fentanyl.
Following the substance testing positive for Fentanyl, the officer was completing documentation when he began to feel numbness in his limbs, faint, and dizzy- all signs consistent with Fentanyl exposure.
After exiting his vehicle and collapsing, additional officers on scene administered one dose of Narcan, which was effective in diminishing the exposure symptoms.
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Out of precaution, the officer was transported to a local hospital where he was later released and fortunately suffered no long-term effects of the exposure.
“The threat that Fentanyl poses to the community, also affects our officers,”
said Chief Lee Bercaw. “It was because of officers’ training and ability to quickly identify the exposure symptoms that a deadly situation was prevented.
The officer’s exposure is a stark reminder that even the most mundane tasks can result in a near-death experience.”
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used medically to treat severe pain, such as pain from cancer or surgery. Fentanyl can also be abused as a recreational drug.
Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency. It can also be sold on its own as a powder, pill, or liquid. Fentanyl can be snorted, smoked, injected, or absorbed through the skin.
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Fentanyl is a very dangerous drug, and it can be deadly, even in small doses. Overdose from fentanyl is a major public health problem in the United States. In 2021, over 71,000 people died from drug overdoses, and fentanyl was involved in nearly 70% of those deaths.
The signs of fentanyl overdose include:
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Blue lips and fingernails
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
If you think someone is overdosing on fentanyl, call 911 immediately. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available without a prescription at many pharmacies.
Here are some tips to prevent fentanyl overdose:
- Never use drugs alone.
- Start with a small dose and wait to see how you react before taking more.
- Be aware of the signs of overdose and call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is overdosing.
- Carry naloxone and know how to use it.
Fentanyl is a dangerous drug, but it is important to remember that overdose can be prevented and treated. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please seek help. There are many resources available to help people get sober and stay sober.
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