Keeping Yourself Safe
If you think you have come into contact with illicit fentanyl, it is important to know how to protect yourself.
Fentanyl in Powder form
Fentanyl Crystals and Pills
Stay Calm
Stay calm if you’ve touched an unknown drug or suspected fentanyl. People who use, sell, or transport drugs often come into contact with fentanyl and are not harmed in any way. Thousands of lives have been saved without harm to first responders when treating fentanyl overdoses.
Next Steps
- Move away from the drug.
- Do not touch your eyes, mouth, nose, or any skin after potentially coming into contact with fentanyl.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with cool water and soap.
If a fellow responder is experiencing opioid-related symptoms
Administer naloxone if experiencing opioid-related symptoms
Know the difference between a panic attack and opioid overdose symptoms. Symptoms such as racing heart or anxiety may be signs of a panic attack, and are not normal opioid overdose symptoms.