Troopers: 29 people at Ohio prison were exposed to fentanyl-heroin mix
Updated: 11:42 PM EDT Aug 29, 2018
https://www.wlwt.com/article/doctors-fentanyl-likely-sickened-29-at-ohio-prison/22861838
FTA
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio —
Officials say 29 people were treated for possible drug exposure at a Chillicothe, Ohio, prison.
Twenty-three correction officers, four nurses and two inmates were sickened by exposure to a substance at Ross Correctional Institute around 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Of those sickened, 28 of those were taken to the hospital for evaluation. One was treated at the scene and released, according to a press release.
Medical professionals at Adena Hospital initially suspected the substance was fentanyl. Ohio State Highway Patrol later confirmed it was a mix of fentanyl and heroin.
OSHP spokesman Lt. Robert Sellers said the inmate and staff members have been administered naloxone. The drug, also sold as Narcan, is used to combat overdoses caused by opioids, such as heroin or fentanyl.
Patients were taken to the nearby Adena Hospital. Officials clarified that there are no fatalities.
"This could have been a lot worse," said Dr. Kirk Tucker, with Adena Hospital.
Patients were decontaminated upon entry, Tucker said, and the hospital was placed on lockdown during the treatment process. A few members of the medical staff also became ill during the treatment process, Tucker said, and they too were treated and decontaminated.
An additional 300 Narcan doses were brought to the prison. Samples of the substance have been collected so it can be tested and identified.
It is unclear what sparked the massive exposure.