As Fentanyl overdose-related deaths keep rising in San Diego County, a health order with immediate effect was signed on May 21, 2021, to help save the lives of people who might be at risk of a Fentanyl overdose. The order will allow the general public to have access to Naloxone (commercially available as Narcan® Nasal Spray), a medicine that quickly reverses the effects of an overdose and can potentially save the life of someone.
In the forthcoming months, Naloxone nasal sprays will be available for free at clinics and community health centers, although exact locations are yet to be announced.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid described by health professionals as “up to 100 times more powerful than morphine”. The Food and Drug Administration approves it as an analgesic and anesthetic. Fentanyl is usually prescribed to patients with severe, chronic pain.
Emergency responders are now being more exposed to fentanyl and its dangerous effects, as overdose-related deaths have continuously increased since 2017. Furthermore, CDC suggests that the death increase might be related to the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Bio-One of Oceanside shares 4 dangers of fentanyl and how to recognize an overdose. As the last responders, Bio-One of Oceanside is trained to clean and decontaminate areas from fentanyl residue, whether it’s airborne or spread through surfaces.
Fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine
Fentanyl is a very strong opioid, and it can be prescribed and administered in multiple dosage forms: oral, sublingual tablets and sprays, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, and injectable formulations. Commercial names include Actiq® (oral), Duragesic® (transdermal patches), and Sublimaze® (sublingual spray).
Because of its strong effects, there’s a small difference between receiving a therapeutic dose to overdosing. It must be administered under strict medical control.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Fentanyl addiction and is at risk of overdosing, don’t hesitate to contact your local Emergency responders. They can intervene in the early stages of people at higher risk of overdose. Bio-One of Oceanside can help you dispose of the dangers of fentanyl and other biohazardous residues to keep your house and your loved ones safe.
Fentanyl can lead to dependence and addiction
Due to its powerful effects on the brain, continuous use of Fentanyl (even prescribed by doctors) can lead to dependence, sometimes leading to addiction. Fentanyl effects usually include:
- Pain relief
- Extreme happiness
- Euphoria
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Respiratory problems
- Sedation
- Unconsciousness
Furthermore, if a person develops an addiction to Fentanyl, they’ll enter a strong, severe case of SUD (Substance Use Disorder). If the person stops taking Fentanyl, they can experience withdrawal effects, which could be fatal in some cases.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms
The most disturbing fact about Fentanyl, and drugs in general, is that people will struggle to stop taking them because of the intense effects of withdrawal. This creates an extremely dangerous environment for the person struggling with Fentanyl dependence/addiction and those around them.
- Muscle and bone pain
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Trouble sleeping
- Severe cravings
Bio-One of Oceanside's specialists are professionally trained to tackle the dangers of fentanyl. We can provide remediation to houses, commercial properties, vehicles, and ambulance/emergency vehicles.
Illegal fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs
Illegal Fentanyl is usually made in labs and mixed with other drugs. Synthetic fentanyl can be illegally sold as a powder solution, put into eye droppers and nasal sprays, prepared for blotter paper, and it’s even made into pills that could be mistaken for prescription opioids.
Drug dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs because the effects of Fentanyl are more potent than most drugs, so if it’s mixed with heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines, the effects of fentanyl will be greater and cheaper. This factor elevates the risk of addiction and fentanyl overdose. The effects of an overdose are more difficult to treat in these cases, as you don’t know with certainty which drugs the person overdosed from.
Exposure to fentanyl mixed with other drugs puts the lives of First Responders at risk
Emergency responders are exposed to the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit substances during their job. As we previously stated, illegal fentanyl is usually mixed with cocaine, methamphetamines, and other opioids to elevate their effect.
Bio-One of Oceanside recommends always using the proper PPE and other protective gear like nitrile gloves, respiratory protection, and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth during a potential drug-related scenario.
Carrying Naloxone nasal sprays is a MUST, as it’s a potential lifesaver in case someone overdoses.
How to recognize an Overdose and What you can do
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult. You must call 911 in case of an overdose emergency. Signs of an overdose include:
- Loss of consciousness
- The person shows signs of struggling to breathe
- Constricted pupils
- Limp body
- Irregular pulse
- Skin color changes, normally to pale or blue
Carrying Naloxone can potentially save the life of someone overdosing. Fentanyl overdoses must be treated immediately. A person can die from it within minutes. Do not leave the person alone while you wait for emergency responders and medical experts to arrive. Naloxone doses can block the most severe effect of an overdose: difficulty breathing.
How Bio-One can help you face the dangers of fentanyl
With the new order in effect, you will find Naloxone nasal sprays for free at clinics and community health centers. Specific places will be determined soon. Learn more about Narcan® Nasal Spray (Commercial brand for Naloxone) and how to get it from your Insurance Company or Pharmacist here.
If you know someone struggling with fentanyl addiction and at risk of overdose, Bio-One of Oceanside can help you. We work closely with first responders, Local Law Enforcement, and Public Service Agencies to provide you with immediate assistance in case of an emergency.
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Bio-One of Oceanside is the #1 Disinfection, Sanitation, and Decontamination Company in North San Diego County, providing professional, industry standards services in all kinds of extreme scenarios:
Recovery Services
- Crime scene cleanup services
- Trauma scene cleaning services
- Blood and biohazard cleaning services
- Undiscovered or unattended death cleaning services
- Homicide/Suicide cleaning services
- Feces and bodily fluids cleaning services
- Mold remediation services
- Water damage restoration services
- Emergency vehicle decontamination services
- Fentanyl cleanup services
- Medical waste disposal services
- Tear gas cleaning services
- Sewage backup cleaning services
Hoarding cleanup services
- Hoarding cleanup
- Animal hoarding cleanup
- Gross filth cleanup
- Deep clean
- Junk removal
- Homeless encampment clean-out
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Nicotine stain/odor removal
- Odor removal
HELP FIRST, BUSINESS SECOND!
Bio-One of Oceanside springs into action to assist survivors when a traumatic event occurs. We work with local law enforcement, emergency responders, victim advocacy organizations, hoarding task forces, apartment communities, and insurance companies to ensure that you receive the greatest service feasible.
We have been an independently owned and operated business since August 2020 to help our community through difficult and unexpected situations. Our certified technicians are caring, compassionate, and discreet, and we are ready to help you in your most significant time of need.
We are proudly serving North San Diego and surrounding communities!
Bio-One is a proud member of the Southern California Rental Housing Association and Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista Chambers of Commerce. Bio-One serves all of San Diego County and neighboring regions, including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, Fallbrook, Escondido, San Marcos, and Bonsall.
We also serve the Southern Orange County cities: San Clemente, Dana Point, Rancho Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, and Costa Mesa.
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