Disagree with it as hazmat on a day to day basis. Meth labs, of course, we suit up. But for a patient with an OD, no need. Tons of supporting data I'll be happy to provide that in an outside environment, it's not necessary, and public safety has been sold a turd by the press, who sensationalize every overdose. Reminds me of the days when AIDs started up, it was routinely seen where firefighters were in complete encapsulating suits. The symptoms commonly seen suffered by overdose patients is the same as any opiate - Slow Breathing or No Breathing - Drowsiness or Unresponsiveness - Constricted or Pinpoint Pupils.
A common theme in these stories is that police officers couldn’t be revived after multiple doses of the opioid overdose antidote
naloxone — typically as a way of suggesting just how bad the overdose was.
But there’s another possibility: Maybe the person couldn’t be revived by naloxone because he wasn’t experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone can, in some cases, require several doses to take effect, but it will eventually work; if it doesn’t, then it’s likely not an opioid overdose.
Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness,
fainting, and
weakness should have evaluation by a doctor.
Good article about the myth:
www.iowaharmreductioncoalition.org
In the meantime, proper PPE on the scene if in doubt.