Law Enforcement & First Responders
To report an increase in overdoses, a potential overdose cluster, or any other unusual drug-related event, call the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Law Enforcement
PDMP
Law enforcement may access PDMP information through a search warrant or subpoena.
EMS
EMS Documentation Guidelines
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) uses a variety of data sources to track drug overdose trends across Georgia, including EMS data. EMS services should document drug overdose-related EMS trips following these guidelines to help DPH better track and respond to the overdose epidemic.
All First Responders
Responder Safety
Unknown opioids may consist of multiple substances in varying amounts and strengths. Examples may include heroin, morphine, fentanyl, carfentanil and others. Carfentanil and other fentanyl-related compounds are a serious danger to public safety, first responder, medical, treatment and laboratory personnel. These substances come in several forms, including powder, and they can be absorbed through the skin or through accidental inhalation of airborne powder.
Precautions for all First Responders
- Avoid handling any substances or paraphernalia, if possible
- Assume all unknown powdered drugs may contain fentanyl or its analogs
- Minimize exposure opportunities by covering bare skin
- Notify everyone in proximity of the possible presence of a dangerous drug
- Do not taste, touch, or sniff suspected drugs of any kind
- If you are alone, notify someone to ensure your safety is monitored
- Ensure naloxone is immediately available for use
- Perform risk assessments at every scene to determine exposure risk, and utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
More information about fentanyl risk is available through the CDC.
Medical Amnesty
Georgia has a Medical Amnesty Law, which provides limited immunity to those seeking medical attention for themselves or someone else. This immunity covers:
- Possession of certain drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Violation of probation, parole, and other violations
- Illegal possession and consumption of alcohol
This law also provides civil and criminal immunity for possessing and administering Naloxone.
Naloxone Standing Order
Whenever possible, officers should carry
Naloxone
when responding to an event that may involve an overdose.When administering Naloxone, please note that multiple doses may be necessary. Georgia has a
Standing
Order
for a prescription of Naloxone for overdose prevention, which makes Naloxone available at any pharmacy without a prescription.
Approved Training for Opioid Antagonist
Video Training
First Responder Naloxone Training and Georgia 911 Amnesty Law
Georgia Department of Public Health
Demonstration of Intranasal Naloxone Administration
NARCAN® Nasal Spray 4 mg Instructions For Use
ADAPT Pharma, Inc.
Think About It - Project DAN
Medical Association of Georgia Foundation
Instructor Lead Training
GBI
Naloxone Training
Click to download the PowerPoint presentation
Page last updated 2/22/23