Fentanyl Awareness and Response for Event Venues

Navigating the Fentanyl Crisis: Essential Steps for Event Venue Managers

As an EMT and a leader within Joffe Emergency Services’ School Health Services division, I’ve witnessed the profound effects of the fentanyl crisis on communities nationwide. Our team of EMT-trained School Health Coordinators is trained to spot and support the challenges posed by opioid-related emergencies within K-12 schools nationwide. For event venue managers, understanding and preparing for the risks associated with fentanyl is equally crucial for ensuring the safety of your guests, staff, and yourself.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Its increasing presence in public spaces, including event venues, underscores the importance of being well-prepared. Here’s a guide to help you equip your venue for potential fentanyl-related incidents.

Understanding the Risks

Fentanyl’s potency makes even tiny amounts dangerously effective. Here’s why event venues are particularly vulnerable:

• Accidental Exposure: Fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, making it easy for individuals using recreational drugs to ingest it unknowingly and suffer an overdose.
• Illicit Drug Use: Large public events can have an increased likelihood of illegal drug use, increasing the risk of fentanyl presence.
• Secondary Exposure: Staff, security, and bystanders may be exposed to fentanyl while responding to an overdose incident, unknowingly putting them at risk.

Preparing Your Venue for Fentanyl Incidents

Ensure your staff can recognize the signs of a fentanyl overdose, which include:

• Slow or stopped breathing
• Snoring
• Loss of consciousness
• Blue or grayish skin, especially around the lips or fingertips
• No pulse
• Pinpoint pupils

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose. It’s easy to administer and often available at no cost or reduced cost through local health departments. Make sure your team is trained to use naloxone effectively (our sister company, Get CPR Done, offers training on Narcan administration)!

Create a clear response plan that includes:

• Immediate steps for staff when a fentanyl overdose is suspected.
• Effective communication channels for quickly contacting first responders or on-site medical personnel.
• Procedures for reporting and debriefing the incident post-stabilization and transport.

Equip your staff with masks and gloves to minimize the risk of accidental fentanyl exposure. Fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled if mishandled, making PPE essential for those responding to incidents.

Training and Support from Joffe Emergency Services

The fentanyl crisis presents a serious challenge, but with the right preparation, you can effectively manage these risks. If you have questions about preparing your venue or event team for fentanyl-related incidents, or if you’re interested in additional training and resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

At Joffe Emergency Services, we are dedicated to helping you create a safer environment for your events. From on-site medical support to comprehensive staff training and response planning, we offer the resources you need to be prepared.