IL HR0809

Opioid overdoses have killed nearly 11,000 people in Illinois since 2008 and are now the leading cause of death nationwide for people under age 50

Fentanyl is a Schedule II narcotic that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine and can cause serious health effects including respiratory depression and death at very low doses

Fentanyl can be absorbed through multiple routes including injection, oral ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, and mucous membrane exposure, posing particular danger to first responders and law enforcement

The DEA has warned that law enforcement may experience accidental exposure to synthetic Fentanyl during search warrants, undercover operations, evidence processing, or handling of contaminated non-drug evidence

Resolution urges all Illinois first responders, law enforcement, and public health officials to receive education about Fentanyl exposure dangers and take proper precautions including following standard safe operating procedures and using personal protective equipment