Methamphetamine and Clandestine Drug Labs. Firefighter Safety

Transcription

1 Methamphetamine and Clandestine Drug Labs Firefighter Safety 1

2 Introduction Once thought of as a west coast problem, methamphetamine use and clandestine drug labs are becoming more popular on the east coast. In 2002, 21 meth labs were seized in South Carolina. In this training you will learn the dangers that meth users and drug labs pose to first responders and how to protect yourself. 2

3 Lab Seizures in South Carolina 3

4 Nationwide Lab Seizures

5 Learning objectives At the end of this training you should be able to: Define methamphetamine. Define clandestine drug lab. Recognize the signs of meth use. Recognize the indicators of a possible clandestine drug lab. Understand the dangers associated with drug labs. Know the proper actions to take if you respond to a suspected drug lab 5

6 Methamphetamine Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant and is highly addictive. It produces an initial short lived rush, followed by a high that can last for 6-8 hours. It is produced in several forms which can be smoked, swallowed, snorted, or injected. 6

7 Methamphetamine (cont.) Common street names include: speed, crank, ice, glass, and crystal or crystal meth. Meth is made (or cooked ) from common, easily available materials, using one of several basic chemical processes. Most commonly used by white, blue-collar workers in their 20 s and 30 s. 7

8 Types of Methamphetamine 8

9 Signs and Symptoms Meth users can be identified by: Agitation Fast and excited speech Loss of appetite Increased physical activity Dilated pupils Hypertension Increased respiration Shortness of breath 9

10 Signs and Symptoms (cont.) Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Insomnia Visual and auditory hallucinations Intense paranoia Compulsive, repetitive actions, especially picking or scratching at skin Episodes of sudden violent behavior 10

11 Long-Term Effects Addiction Anorexia Stroke Cardiovascular collapse Permanent psychological problems due to chemical changes in the brain 11

12 Questions 12

13 Clandestine Drug Labs A clandestine drug lab is a makeshift lab used to produce illegal drugs. There are several drugs that can be produced in these labs with the most common being methamphetamine. Meth is cheap and easy to produce. It is made using common chemicals and over the counter medications. 13

14 Where Clandestine Drug Labs Are Found Homes Motel Rooms Campgrounds Mini-storage buildings Motor homes Trailers Garages Sheds 14

15 Meth Lab in Home 15

16 Mobile Meth Lab 16

17 Meth Lab in Suitcase 17

18 Where Clandestine Drug Labs Are Found (cont.) Commonly found in remote areas due to the odors they produce. 18

19 Dangers of Meth Labs Substances used to cook meth include corrosive, flammable, and toxic chemicals. A common by-product of making meth is hydrogen gas which is flammable and can be explosive in a confined area. Some substances become highly unstable during the cooking process and can be extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Labs may contain booby traps. 19

20 Dangers of Meth Labs (cont.) 20-30% of meth labs are discovered due to explosions. 51% of all injuries incurred at meth labs are to first responders. Respiratory irritation is the most common injury (54%). Eye irritation is second (11%). 20

21 Examples Washington In 1996 an oven exploded as two people were using acetone, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide to make meth in an apartment. One person was transported with chemical burns causing three paramedics and three hospital employees to become exposed as well. They experienced eye irritation, respiratory distress, and vomiting. 21

22 Examples Oregon In 1999 a firefighter was exposed to hydrochloric acid while extinguishing a fire in a meth lab. He received chemical burns through his turn out gear. 22

23 Iowa In 1999 three police officers had respiratory irritation after being exposed to anhydrous ammonia during a raid at a meth lab. 23

24 Types of Drug Labs Extraction labs: Raw plant material is changed into a finished drug by the use of chemical solvents and/or acids. Marijuana to hashish Opium to morphine 24

25 Types of Drug Labs Conversion labs: Raw or unfinished drug product is changed into finished or refined drug by changing the chemical structure. Most prevalent. Cocaine base to cocaine hydrochloride (powder) Cocaine hydrochloride to cocaine sulfate (crack) Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to methamphetamine 25

26 Recognizing a Drug Lab Clues which may indicate a possible drug lab include: Access denied Covered or blacked-out windows Unusual traffic or activities Burn pits, stained soil, or dead vegetation Bottles or jars with glass tubing attached Glass cookware or frying pans containing a powdery residue 26

27 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) Unusually large amount of camping fuel, paint thinner, acetone, starting fluid, Lye, or drain cleaner. Large amounts of lithium batteries Propane tanks with fittings that have turned blue. Coffee filters with red stains, a white pasty substance, or shiny white crystals. 27

28 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) Occupants going outside to smoke. Strong smell of cat urine, ether, ammonia, or acetone. Large amounts of diet aids or cold medications that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine 28

29 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) The following chemicals are used to make meth and may be indicators of a possible drug lab: Iodine Red phosphorus Sulfuric acid Hydrochloric acid Muriatic Acid Alcohol Ether 29

30 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) Benzene Freon Chloroform Anhydrous Ammonia Phenyl-2-Propane Phenylacetone Epsom Salts 30

31 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 31

32 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 32

33 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 33

34 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 34

35 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 35

36 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 36

37 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 37

38 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 38

39 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 39

40 Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 40

41 What to Do if You Suspect You are at a Drug Lab If you are already inside: Back out immediately DO NOT interrupt the cooking process Do not touch any contaminated surfaces or materials ( this includes patients) Notify law enforcement Consider the need for decontamination 41

42 What to Do if You Suspect You are at a Drug Lab (cont.) If you have not yet entered the structure: Notify law enforcement Call for back-up Evacuate the structure If you must enter for rescue, wear full turn-out gear and SCBA DO NOT disturb the cooking process Avoid touching contaminated surfaces and materials as much as possible 42

43 What to Do if You Suspect You are at a Drug Lab (cont.) Decontaminate victims and personnel If fire is involved operate in a defensive mode 43

44 Summary Meth users can be unpredictable and dangerous Meth labs can be anywhere Meth labs are extremely dangerous to first responders Meth labs are haz-mat as well as crime scenes When in doubt, stay out 44