A Berkeley County deputy collapsed after coming into contact with a fentanyl-like substance during a routine stop, raising concerns about the dangers law enforcement officers face while handling drugs. The incident, which was captured on body camera, occurred when the deputy touched an unknown substance on a dollar bill. The substance was later tested and confirmed to contain fentanyl.
Deputy Administered Narcan
The body camera footage showed the deputy’s rapid physical decline after the exposure, leading to immediate administration of Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses. The quick response helped prevent further harm. This alarming event has underscored the potential dangers officers face while interacting with suspected drug substances in the field.
Insights from a Recovered Fentanyl User
Aislinn Langston, a member of FAVOR Lowcountry and a recovered fentanyl user, shared her experience with fentanyl, noting that she never had a reaction when fentanyl touched her skin. “I used fentanyl every day for five years, and I never had a reaction when it touched my skin,” Langston said, adding that she has had to confiscate fentanyl from others without wearing gloves but never experienced any adverse reaction.
Langston speculated that the deputy’s reaction might be more related to anxiety or a panic attack caused by the unknown exposure. This points to the body’s psychological response in such situations, where panic can sometimes mimic physical symptoms of overdose.
The Dangers of Carfentanil
Ed Johnson, a board member of Faces and Voices of the Lowcountry, discussed the growing concern surrounding more potent synthetic opioids, particularly Carfentanil. “Car fentanyl is about a hundred times more potent than fentanyl,” Johnson explained. Originally developed as a veterinary tranquilizer for elephants, Carfentanil poses an even greater risk of skin absorption, which can lead to overdose or death if exposure is not immediately treated.
Johnson cautioned that Carfentanil is not effectively treated with Narcan, highlighting the serious dangers of handling such substances. “The thing about it being so much more potent than fentanyl is that Narcan doesn’t work on it,” he warned.
Misinformation and Safety Tips
Johnson addressed widespread misconceptions about fentanyl, including the urban myth that touching fentanyl could instantly cause an overdose. He stressed the importance of understanding the risks and handling substances like fentanyl with caution. “There is a lot of hype about, oh my gosh, if I touch fentanyl or whatever, I’m gonna have an overdose and die. And that’s an urban myth,” he explained.
Johnson emphasized the need for proper precautions, including wearing rubber gloves when handling unknown substances and washing hands frequently, especially if contact with the drug is suspected. He also warned about the spread of misinformation, advising the public to rely on reputable sources rather than misleading TikTok or YouTube videos.
This incident in Berkeley County serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers and others in the community face when encountering fentanyl and its more potent variants, such as Carfentanil. It also highlights the importance of proper safety protocols, accurate information, and community education to reduce the risks associated with these deadly substances.
