VIDEOS: Fentanyl can pose a danger not only to those using it, but also to first responders who may unknowingly encounter the drug. The Greenwood Police Department learned this firsthand when three of its officers had to be taken to the hospital after an accidental exposure during a recent traffic stop. Four people were arrested during this incident. Greenwood Police Chief Shayne Gibson says his department has had some training when it comes to handling potentially dangerous drugs. He also says theyโve been trained on how to properly use Narcan. Chief Gibson says his officers were able to maintain their composure during the situation, which allowed them to react and get medical help, as well as render aid to the affected officers. Aside from some headaches, Chief Gibson says his officers are ready to get back to work after they take a couple of days off to fully recover.
Shawn Fertenbaugh was in charge of the shift when the three Greenwood officers were exposed. He says he was the first one to come in contact with the first officer affected. He says when he saw him, he was unconscious, so they administered two doses of Narcan. The fire department then showed up and rendered more aid. Fertenbaugh says about three minutes after that, he was notified that another officer was feeling the effects of suspected fentanyl. Then another officer was down about a minute later.
John Phelan with Caddo Fire District 4 says crews with the fire department frequently respond to calls involving drug overdoses. He says they treat every call as the worst case scenario when it comes to drug exposures. Phelan says they make sure to use gloves, protective glasses, and sometimes masks too. When his crews get on scene, they do an assessment of whatโs going on, and if they suspect fentanyl is at play, they have Narcan at the ready. Phelan goes on to say they have a number of protocols and procedures in place to deal with drug exposure, including washing their hands with cold water and not touching their face or eyes. Phelan says using hand sanitizer can actually spread a substance around on the skin. The Narcan Caddo First District 4 carries is administered via IV, Phelan says, as opposed to the Narcan police carry, which is administered as a nasal spray.
