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The role of first responders in attacking the opioid epidemic has increased significantly in recent years. In the first half of 2018, first responders in Escambia County, Florida, responded to at least 176 opioid overdoses—an average of one per day. The same group of first responders deployed a drug called naloxone, which reverses the effects of opioid overdose, more than 280 times. Today, first responders wear their own protective equipment at opioid-related emergency scenes to ensure they do not face negative exposure to drugs and other chemicals. First responders wear gloves as often as possible, as even bedding and clothing can be contaminated or have airborne concentrations. They often have to sanitize the ambulance between fentanyl overdoses. Still, first responders sometimes face other dangers. For example, people who wake up from naloxone treatment may be violent, aggressive, and unaware of what has happened

Scan here to learn how first responders handle opioid overdoses:

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How First Responders and ER Doctors Save Lives and Educate