The Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) produced a new video for first responders to help them protect themselves from the presence of fentanyl on the job.
The video, called “Fentanyl: The Real Deal” is a companion training video to its Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders’ guide, released in November 2017. U.S. Customs and Border Protection produced the video.
The video gives recommendations to law enforcement and first responders on how to safely navigate the increased prevalence of the opioid fentanyl in the illicit drug market.
“Exposure to synthetic opioids like fentanyl is one of the most dangerous threats facing law enforcement officers,” Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said. “The Department of Justice worked with the White House, other Cabinet agencies, and many law enforcement organizations to produce a new safety video and training recommendations for first responders. I urge law enforcement officers to review the advice and take precautions to stay safe.”
The training video provides a list of tools and tips for first responders.
“We have a duty to protect those who keep our communities safe,” DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon said. “As we continue to fight this opioid epidemic, it is critical that we provide every tool necessary to educate the public, law enforcement, and first responders about the dangers of fentanyl. This video is a positive step in that direction.”