The Effects of the Opioid Epidemic on Firefighters
(Room 134-135)
12 Apr 19
8:30 AM
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10:15 AM
Current National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations for preventing firefighter-EMS providers and other emergency responders from occupational exposure to opioids are highlighted. From 2015 to 2016, there was a 100 percent increase in the rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl and its analogues) in the United States. This has raised concerns about the potential for unintentional exposure to opioid drugs among emergency responders in the course of their work. The media have reported on firefighter-EMS providers developing symptoms after potential unintentional exposures to opioids, but few scientific evaluations have been undertaken. Students learn the results of several NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluations, including those where first responders have experienced health effects after unintentional exposures to illicit drugs, and surveys showing how responding to opioid overdoses has impacted mental health and job stress among firefighter-EMS providers.