Law Enforcement & First Responders

ems and police officer

To report an increase in overdoses, a potential overdose cluster, or any other unusual drug-related event, call the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement may access PDMP information through a search warrant or subpoena. 

EMS

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) uses a variety of data sources to track drug overdose trends across Georgia, including EMS data. EMS services should document drug overdose-related EMS trips following these guidelines to help DPH better track and respond to the overdose epidemic.   

All First Responders

Responder Safety
Unknown opioids may consist of multiple substances in varying amounts and strengths. Examples may include heroin, morphine, fentanyl, carfentanil and others. Carfentanil and other fentanyl-related compounds are a serious danger to public safety, first responder, medical, treatment and laboratory personnel. These substances come in several forms, including powder, and they can be absorbed through the skin or through accidental inhalation of airborne powder.  

What to do if you think you have been exposed to fentanyl

  • If you touch an unknown substance, wash off the residue with soap and water. (Hand sanitizer will not work.)
  • Do not touch your face, especially your eyes, mouth, and nose until you have washed your hands.
  • If you see powder or a crushed pill, do not touch it or attempt to remove it. Do not do anything that might cause powder to get into the air, such as open a window.
  • If you need to handle an unknown substance or powder for clean up or an emergency scenario, wear nitrile gloves and an N95 mask.
  • Perform Download this pdf file. risk assessments at every scene to determine exposure risk, and utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

More information about fentanyl risk is available through the CDC. 

What is secondhand exposure? Secondhand exposure to fentanyl refers to:

  • Smoke exhaled by someone smoking fentanyl
  • Secondhand smoke residue
  • Pills or powder

It is extremely unlikely you will overdose by being near or helping someone who has used fentanyl. To date, there have been no clinically confirmed cases of first responders or law enforcement overdosing from inhaling, touching, or being in the vicinity of it. When smoked, fentanyl absorbs quickly into the lungs. Exhaled air may have extremely low traces of fentanyl, but these disperse immediately in the air. Fentanyl does not absorb well through the skin, so you are unlikely to experience overdose.

Medical Amnesty
Georgia has a Medical Amnesty Law, which provides limited immunity to those seeking medical attention for themselves or someone else. This immunity covers: 

  • Possession of certain drugs or drug paraphernalia 
  • Violation of probation, parole, and other violations 
  • Illegal possession and consumption of alcohol 

This law also provides civil and criminal immunity for possessing and administering Naloxone. 

Naloxone Standing Order
Whenever possible, officers should carry Download this pdf file. Naloxone when responding to an event that may involve an overdose.When administering Naloxone, please note that multiple doses may be necessary. Georgia has a  Download this pdf file. Standing Order for a prescription of Naloxone for overdose prevention, which makes Naloxone available at any pharmacy without a prescription. 

Approved Training for Opioid Antagonist

Video Training

First Responder Naloxone Training and Georgia 911 Amnesty Law
Georgia Department of Public Health

Demonstration of Intranasal Naloxone Administration

NARCAN® Nasal Spray 4 mg Instructions For Use
ADAPT Pharma, Inc.

Think About It - Project DAN
Medical Association of Georgia Foundation

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Georgia Resources:

 

Page last updated 6/22/24