SB 718 ensures protection for first responders

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In today’s time, we often hear about drugs and the effects each drug has. Drugs can heavily affect people’s lives and ultimately affect the lives of others who aren’t on drugs. 

On Oct. 1, Senate Bill 718 went into effect in Florida. SB 718, named the Exposures of First Responders to Fentanyl Analogs, now means that when first responders are on a call, and the person doesn’t let them know that there is fentanyl in their presence and the first responders get affected, that person will now be facing charges. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. 

A person who’s 18 years or older and is using fentanyl would be charged with a second-degree felony, with up to 15 years in prison. 

Not only does this law protect first responders, but it also holds accountable those who are participating in fentanyl.  

First responders risk their lives to save others, so it’s essential to make it known to first responders if this hard drug is in your possession. 

There have been times when first responders would respond to a fentanyl case, and it would cause them to collapse, harming themselves by the effect of the drug. 

Earlier this year, in April, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed  legislation to fight the opioid epidemic. 

During his press conference on “fighting fentanyl,” he said that “if an officer asks if you have any drugs in your possession and you lie and the officer ends up getting exposed, we’re going to throw the book at you and hold you accountable.” 

Almost every day, someone overdoses and loses their life due to the lacing of drugs with fentanyl. In 2022, Gadsden County took a significant hit with fentanyl cases. On the Fourth of July weekend in 2022, six people died due to an overdose of drugs laced with fentanyl. 

 During that time, the Quincy Police Department made sure to equip their officers with Narcan and provide them with the proper training in case they would have to respond to an incident. 

In Florida, CORE (Coordinated Opioid Recovery) provides standard treatment programs that give long-term recoveries for lifetime illnesses. This program is designed to help those with opioid addictions and those who suffer from substance use disorder. 

CORE doesn’t only focus on helping those who are suffering from opioid addiction, but it gives them access to treatment for medical and mental health conditions. It’s a program that could help keep people on the right track and stay on top of their well-being. This program gives people a chance to stay healthy while providing many resources. 

The number of fentanyl cases is steadily rising. First responders risk their lives every day to save lives. So, with SB 718, in case of an emergency, all first responders must know if there is fentanyl in their presence so they can take the proper steps to save and protect.