The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that there had been 131 fentanyl-related deaths in San Diego County this year alone. By the end of 2021, local authorities are projecting around 700 fentanyl-related deaths. Bio-One of Oceanside is sharing the dangers of fentanyl with the hope of informing the community about the increasing threat of this drug and how you can immediately help someone if they have a fentanyl overdose.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain in patients who had recent surgery or suffer from advanced stages of cancer. Due to its nature and relation with cancer and other chronic diseases, Fentanyl can be found legally as a prescription medication (commercial names include Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze®).
Fentanyl abuse has increased in the past years for its similar effects to heroin. Illegally, Fentanyl is mixed and distributed with other drugs like heroin and cocaine to increase the “euphoric” effect.
Doctors can prescribe pharmaceutical Fentanyl as shots, skin patches, or throat lozenges. Depending on the patient’s response within the first 72 hours of treatment, doctors will increase or decrease the dosage.
Now, illegal fentanyl is typically sold as a powder, but it can be found as nasal sprays, made into pills to look like other prescription medication, and sold as another drug.
Drug dealers mix fentanyl with other opioids like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Since it takes very little to obtain effects from fentanyl, it represents a cheap option to create a higher drug volume. People might use illegal fentanyl mixed with other drugs without their knowledge, and the consequences could be fatal.
Bio-One of Oceanside follows strict protocols to remediate and disinfect areas from fentanyl properly, whether it’s from needles and other biohazardous waste or contaminated surfaces from a fentanyl overdose case.
Public and community-based organizations are raising awareness of the importance of having Naloxone as a first-hand medication to treat opioid overdose.
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose rapidly. It’s effective in quickly restoring the breathing of a person who might be in a state of overdose. While it’s not meant to treat opioid use disorder, Naloxone can be a life-saving medication for someone who is at a high risk of opioid overdose. Commercial names include Narcan, Evzio, or Kloxxado.
Professionals should carry out naloxone injections. Naxolone Prepackaged Nasal Spray is the most suitable option for non-professionals who might need to use Naloxone in case of an emergency.
Regardless of which delivery method you have to use in case of an opioid overdose, you should always receive proper training on how and when is the correct moment to use Naloxone.
In the face of a Fentanyl overdose, emergency responders' assistance can save the life of the person suffering from it. Fentanyl has multiple routes of exposure: inhalation, oral exposure or ingestion, or skin contact. You must call 911 immediately, as they have the necessary training and PPE equipment to assist a person who might be on fentanyl overdose.
Our Team of Specialists at Bio-One of Oceanside specializes in cleaning and disinfecting any environments contaminated by fentanyl, whether it’s from airborne conditions or surfaces in the presence of it. We will assist you with utmost care and compassion, ensuring that the area returns to its original, pre-incident state. Following strict guidelines and protocols, Bio-One of Oceanside technicians guarantee a complete disinfecting solution for fentanyl-associated biohazards.
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:
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.
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.
Our services are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Give us a call at 760-429-0729.