December 10th, 2024

Carfentanil, a potent synthetic opioid about 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, poses significant threats to the U.S. opioid crisis. Its presence in illicit drug markets may lead to increased overdoses and deaths, even among opioid-tolerant users. First responders and law enforcement must take precautions to avoid accidental exposure to carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues, which can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

If encountered, responding personnel should:

– Exercise extreme caution and only handle suspected fentanyl or fentanyl-related compounds with proper training and equipment.

– Be aware of exposure symptoms, including respiratory depression, drowsiness, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils, and clammy skin, which usually occur within minutes.

– Seek immediate medical attention. Call EMS and move the victim to fresh air if inhaled. If ingested and conscious, wash out the victim’s eyes and mouth with cool water.

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– Be ready to administer naloxone for opioid overdose. It reverses carfentanil, fentanyl, or other opioid overdoses, but multiple doses may be needed. Continue administering naloxone every 2-3 minutes until breathing resumes for at least 15 minutes or until EMS arrives.

Carfentanil can resemble powdered cocaine or heroin. If you suspect carfentanil or synthetic opioids, don’t take samples or disturb the substance. Let Law Enforcement Secure it and follow approved transportation protocols

Carfentanil is a tranquilizing agent for large mammals. Its lethal dose range in humans is unknown, but it’s about 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which can be lethal at 2 milligrams, depending on route and other factors.

For more safety information, use these resources:

– CDC Health Advisory (#CDCHAN-00384); http://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00384.asp

– CDC Health Update (#CDCHAN-00395); http://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00395.asp

– DEA Fentanyl Warning Video; https://www.dea.gov/video_clips/Fentanyl%20Roll%20Call%20Video.mp4

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