Smiths Detection Technology Protects First Responders Against the Threat of Fentanyl Exposure

EDGEWOOD, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Smiths Detection Inc. (SDI) is at the forefront of arming first
responders with solutions to safeguard against the presence of fentanyl.
Working directly with international law enforcement and hazmat agencies,
SDI has adapted a range of existing technologies to be able to quickly
and accurately detect fentanyl and its analogues on scene.

Fentanyl, if inhaled, may lead to respiratory arrest, is 50 times more
lethal than heroin and 100 times more lethal than morphine. It is
prompting fears of a public health crisis and a threat to the safety of
first responders who may not be aware of its presence during a response.

SDI has adapted three of its leading technologies to detect and identify
fentanyl, including:

• IONSCAN 600 – used in airports, corrections facilities and security
  checkpoints across the world, this portable system detects invisible
  amounts of narcotics like fentanyl, and explosives, in seconds.
• HazMatID Elite/Target ID – an infrared handheld chemical identifier
  performs chemical analysis on bulk amounts of solids and liquids,
  which may be used as court-admissible evidence.
• ACE-ID – utilizes laser Raman technology which allows users to test
  bulk quantities of unknown substances without contact, including
  through plastic and glass.

The technologies were designed to complement each other in response
scenarios but can work independently. SDI also enhanced its ReachBackID
24/7 hotline to give first responders using these technologies access to
Ph.D. scientists to support the field-based analysis of fentanyl and
several of its analogues.

Shan Hood, Vice President of Product & Technology for Smiths Detection,
said: “The new fentanyl threat to first responders is real and severe
since accidental contact with- or inhalation-of very small amounts can
be life threatening. The right technology can help first responders make
better informed decisions about how best to protect themselves from
fentanyl and its analogues during emergencies.”

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat
detection and screening technologies for military, air transportation,
homeland security and emergency response markets. Our experience and
history across more than 40 years at the frontline, enables us to
provide unrivalled levels of expertise to detect and identify constantly
changing chemical, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats, as well
as weapons, dangerous goods, contraband and narcotics.

Our goal is simple – to provide security, peace of mind and freedom of
movement upon which the world depends. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Blueprint Communications
Chad Kolton
571-414-0730
[email protected]
or
Smiths
Detection
Dana Knox-Gower, Director of Communications and Marketing
– Americas
203-482-6752
[email protected]