“You are not weak for struggling. You are strong for continuing to fight.”
~Anonymous
Ohio ranks 5th in the nation in drug overdose deaths, with over 5,300 deaths in 2021 alone. One of the leading causes of drug overdose deaths is fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that is used in medical settings as a pain reliever. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is routinely found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and other non-regulated substances.
Production and use of fentanyl-containing products can lead to fentanyl contamination in homes, vehicles and drug laboratories. These pose a serious health threat to first responders, law enforcement and anyone entering a contaminated area. Exposure to even a very small amount of fentanyl can lead to compromised breathing, respiratory arrest and death.
If you come across a scene with possible fentanyl exposure, do not enter or attempt to clean it up yourself. Avoid disturbing the area or touching your eyes, hands or mouth after touching any potentially contaminated surface, even if you are wearing gloves. Restrict access to the area, and call Bio-One Columbus. Our trained technicians can safely decontaminate the scene with state-of-the-art equipment and proper safety and isolation gear.
The prevalence of fentanyl in Columbus is both astounding and tragic. Anytime we remediate the scene of a death by overdose, we have to suspect fentanyl, and it’s confirmed in a high percentage of our field tests.
I tell all my law enforcement contacts, property managers and anyone who may find themselves on a contaminated scene, that it is truly an immediate life threat.
Fentanyl is measured in micrograms not milligrams, so the smallest amount can knock out your respiratory drive and stop your breathing. I highly encourage people not to try to clean these scenes up themselves.
For anyone who is currently struggling with opioid or other substance addiction, there is hope and help.
If you feel that you or someone else is in immediate danger or is experiencing a drug overdose, call 911 immediately.
Signs of overdose include the following:
If you or a loved are experiencing a mental health or substance abuse related emergency call the Netcare Access Crisis Hotline: 614-276-CARE (2273) or call the Opiate Crisis Line:614-724-HOPE (4673), which is available Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.
You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7/365 at 1-800-662-4357 or visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards.
Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry.
For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/
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Bio-One, Inc. Donates 5,000 First Aid Kits and Pays Tribute to Fallen Officers
In recognition of National Police Week, May 9-15, Bio-One, Inc. will thank first responders by donating 5,000 first aid kits as part of their nationwide campaign #HelpFirst for First Responders. Throughout the week, Bio-One offices in 41 states will distribute the first aid kits, which include alcohol swabs, Advil, gloves, gauze pads, and an assortment of bandages.
Since 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
“As crime and trauma scene cleaners, Bio-One works closely with law enforcement across the country and National Police Week is a great opportunity to say thank you for their service and sacrifices,” said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, founder of Bio-One, Inc. “Our #HelpFirst campaign aligns with our motto, Help First, Business Second, and it is our hope that these kits will help officers and community members in the event of a minor medical emergency.”
As a 2021 corporate sponsor of the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Bio-One will also pay tribute to fallen officers during the virtual 33rd Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 at 8:00 p.m. The event will be broadcasted live on Facebook, YouTube, and LawMemorial.org/CV.
“We are so thankful for Bio-One’s corporate partnership and their continued support of the Memorial Fund,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. “This partnership will further bolster the Memorial Fund’s mission of honoring America’s Law Enforcement, as well as provide support for the Museum’s upcoming exhibition opening in September. We are grateful for their commitment.”
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors the names of all of the 22,611 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history.
