RCMP officers tell their story of being exposed to fentanyl

Some B.C. RCMP officers are speaking out about the dangers of fentanyl exposure after nearly overdosing on the job.

At least three B.C. officers are known to have had contact with the deadly drug while on duty.

Soon RCMP officers across Canada will carry naloxone nasal spray in case they are accidentally exposed.

Cst. Dawn Adams with Kelowna RCMP said she was exposed because the drug was in a powder form. “When I unfolded it, it basically exploded white powder in my face,” she said.

She was quickly given naloxone and felt better almost instantly.

READ MORE: Delta Police called to 9 drug overdoses in 20-minute period

Vancouver Police officers will be doing the same.

“I’ve heard of three law enforcement officers throughout the province… not in Vancouver… where they have come into contact with fentanyl and have required medical attention,” Acting VPD Sgt. Brian Montague said.

“At least two of those they’ve needed naloxone due to an overdose due to an exposure at work.”

According to the coroners’ data, in 2016, the total number of drug overdose deaths was 433, which is an increase of almost 74 per cent in comparison to the same seven-month time frame in 2015.

“It takes a second for you to be exposed,” said Adams. “And another second for you to die. And we all want to go home at the end of the day.”