Posted on 03/18/2020 2:31:54 PM PDT by nickcarraway
“Gray Death” is a particularly dangerous mixture of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids, and it has made its way to Indiana.
Carfentanil, which is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals, is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
They say a persistent increase in opioid overdoses tied to carfentanil have been seen around the country.
Carfentanil and other fentanyl-related compounds can be absorbed through the skin or accidentally inhaled, making them dangerous to first responders and other medical personnel.
Read much more from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security:
State medical personnel and responders are sounding the alarm on a continuing drug trend that could overdose, or potentially kill, Hoosiers and responders with minimal contact.
Gray Death, a particularly dangerous mixture of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids, made its way to Indiana this week, causing an overdose in central Indiana. Partners warning about the increased risk are State of Indiana Emergency Medical Services and the State Fire Marshal, part of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security; Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana State Police.
A persistent increase in opioid overdoses tied to the synthetic drug carfentanil have been seen around the country, prompting concern.
“When approaching an emergency, you never know where extreme danger may lurk, so every precaution must be taken,” said Dr. Michael Olinger, State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director. “That’s definitely true for any drug-related scene, where even a tiny amount of the wrong substance can be deadly.”
“Here’s the bottom line." said Indiana State Police Supt. Doug Carter, “Many people become addicted to opioids from what originally started as legitimate prescribed use, while others became addicted as a result of illicit use.” Carter continued, “But addiction is addiction regardless of the path and this is not a problem we can - or should try - to arrest our way out of. And equally as troubling is the threat these substances are posing to the health and safety of public safety professionals.” Carter concluded, “We in law enforcement will continue to direct our resources toward arresting the traffickers of these illegal substances and working with prosecutors to build the strongest case possible to make the price of conviction higher than the profit from peddling death and destruction.”
Carfentanil, which is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals, is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It is often mixed in with other drugs such as cocaine or crystal meth — and often drug users have no idea their drugs have been tainted.
Carfentanil and other fentanyl-related compounds are a serious danger to public safety, first responder, medical, treatment, and laboratory personnel. These substances can come in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets, and spray. The substance can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder.
“With the pervasive nature of opioids and addiction, there is always the chance that family or friends may come into contact with dangerous substances when working to save their loved one,” said Dr. Michael Olinger, State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director.
When responding to an overdose, response personnel should remember the following best practices:
Exercise extreme caution with any suspected opioid delivery method. Wear gloves and masks when responding to any situation where carfentanil or fentanyl is suspected. If possible, cover as much of the skin as possible when responding to a potential overdose situation.
Be aware of any sign of exposure. Symptoms include: respiratory depression or arrest, drowsiness or profound exhaustion, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils and clammy skin. The onset of these symptoms may occur within minutes of exposure.
Seek immediate medical attention. Carfentanil and other fentanyl-related substances can work very quickly, so in cases of suspected exposure, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Any needle stick should be medically evaluated as soon as possible.
Do not touch any potential drug materials or paraphernalia. Carfentanil can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder. Avoid coming into contact with needles, bags or other paraphernalia. Do not come into contact or disturb any powder that may be in the area.
Be ready to manage the victim’s airway in the event of exposure. Opioids are especially dangerous because they override the body’s breathing reflex, causing victims to suffocate. While naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose, it might not be available. Providing breathing assistance could help prolong the victim’s life while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. Even if naloxone is available, always send an overdose victim to the hospital for monitoring. Naloxone may wear off before the effects of the opioid, making it possible for the victim to stop breathing again.
We need to publicly execute drug dealers.
Singapore has done that.
Numbers
Opiods are killing more than Cv19
Abortion is killing more than that
And these are avoidable deaths
So if you have a death wish, you now have a choice.
Dabble with this stuff, or go lick an escalator handrail at the mall.
Just a couple months ago one of my Nephew’s son died from doing some of that kind of crap.
They start doing pot then move to stronger stuff when the thrill is gone. He was about 18 I think.
Been waiting for this.
People don’t recognize drug dealers are selling people poison.
Cleaning the gene pool. First responders need to save their energy for people who aren’t stupid.
By the way sometimes first responders die of this, because even a particle can cause an overdose.
yep it is a genuine danger
Carfentanil: “Man, that stuff will stone an elephant!”
who would want to flat out murder people under the guise of getting high ?
There's only one evil enough .... SATAN.
And most of modern America doesn't even go to church, let alone believe in Satan.
But if a death drug really HAS hit the market .... How convenient piggybacking on a "deadly virus" that doesn't really seem to be.
I didn't say I had an answer .... just .... let's analyze this
Guess I wasn't cut out to be an addict.
Let’s legalize it and thin the herd. People want this crap. let them. We have too many stupid people among us.
Kids don’t think they will be the one that gets the bad batch.
The grandnephew died with his buddy in his grandmother’s basement getting high on that crap.
” first responders die of this, because even a particle can cause an overdose.”
Yes; I think I’ve heard that reported a couple times. They just need to avoid these druggies and let nature take its course.
“There’s only one evil enough .... SATAN.”
Of course Satan is involved in this, but it is also an attack by a foreign nation, or more than one.
Back in the 60s our drug problem was fed and exacerbated by the KGB. As was our racial conflict, and anything else they could think of.
This fentanyl and carfentanyl crap is the same kind of attack. Why do I say that? Well, it looks, smells, waddles, and quacks like an attack, just like in the 60s.
Legislate an open season on drug dealers.
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