Course detail: Fentanyl Safety, Decontamination, and Identification for Law Enforcement and First Responders

Course Description:  
Over the past several years, law enforcement and first responders across the United States have seen an alarming increase in the availability of dangerous synthetic opioids in the communities we serve. A large percentage of these synthetic opioids are derivatives of the synthetic drug "fentanyl." Fentanyl is listed as a Schedule II prescription drug that mimics the effects of morphine in the human body, but at a much higher potency. In addition to its high potency, fentanyl is readily available and is often used as an "additive" to other controlled substances, leading to an alarming increase of overdose deaths and accidental exposures.

Fentanyl poses a significant risk to law enforcement and first responders who may come into contact with this substance through their routine duties. Exposure to even small amounts may lead to health related issues, including respiratory complications and death. It is very important that officers and first responders know how to protect themselves from this increasing threat to public safety. Upon completion of this course, participants will have a better understanding of how to recognize and safely responding to fentanyl exposures, how to safely work with and around fentanyl in the field, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants will also learn about the rising threat presented by xylazine and discuss harm reduction methods, including the recent decriminalization of fentanyl test strips in Kansas.


KLETC Professional Development Competency: Participants will be able to decide upon prescribed courses of action or techniques that will provide a greater level of safety in a variety of environments, events, and situations.

By the end of the four-hour training session, participants will achieve a multifaceted understanding of fentanyl's risks and learn to effectively use personal protective equipment (PPE), recognize overdose symptoms, and administer naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, enhancing their ability to safeguard public health and safety.

Learning Objectives:

  • Fentanyl Overdose Awareness: Understand the scope of fentanyl-related overdoses and their impact on public safety.
  • Exposure Prevention: Identify levels of exposure during field operations and apply safety protocols, including the use of PPE.
  • Symptom Recognition and Response: Recognize signs of opioid overdose and respond with naloxone administration techniques.
  • Harm Reduction Strategies: Discuss the role of harm reduction, including the use of fentanyl test strips and naloxone, within legal frameworks.

Instructional Methods:

  • Lectures: Expert-led sessions on fentanyl risks, safety protocols, and overdose response.
  • Group Discussions: Interactive forums for sharing experiences and strategies.
  • Demonstrations: Live demonstrations of PPE usage, decontamination, and naloxone administration.
  • Scenario-Based Practice: Simulated overdose scenarios to practice naloxone administration.

Intended Audience:

All public safety personnel, including police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and other first responders.

Acknowledgements:

This training is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), reflecting a commitment to public health and safety education.

Course Requirements:
100% attendance and participation

Fitness Requirements and Expectations of Physical Risk: Sedentary




Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in an event, please email KLETC or call 620.694.1400 at least three weeks before the first day of the event. Some events may require notice earlier than three weeks and require you contact a specific individual; if so, that information is provided in the event-specific information.

Notice of Availability of the KLETC Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

 

The University of Kansas has determined that the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) main campus in Hutchinson and its regional sites in Dodge City, Hays, and Parsons are separate campuses. This determination was made in consultation with the Department of Education. The report is available online at: https://civilrights.ku.edu/clery.

 

The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking; the procedures the institution will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred On-Campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-Campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the institution or a recognized student organization; and on Public Property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

 

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 785-864-6414 or emailing civilrights@ku.edu or arrange for pick-up at a KLETC location.



Available sessions

Thursday, September 26, 2024, Hays KLETC Regional Site (Hays, KS)
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Zoom Facilitated Sessions (Online, WEB)
Thursday, March 6, 2025, KLETC Campus Learning Center Classroom Bldg (Hutchinson, KS)
Thursday, May 8, 2025, Zoom Facilitated Sessions (Online, WEB)