Smiths Detection Technology Protects First Responders Against the Threat of Fentanyl Exposure
August 03 2017 - 9:00AM
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
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170803005826/en/
Media Contacts:Blueprint CommunicationsChad
Kolton571-414-0730chad@blueprintcomms.comorSmiths DetectionDana
Knox-Gower, Director of Communications and Marketing -
Americas203-482-6752dana.gower@smiths-detection.com
Smiths (LSE:SMIN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Smiths (LSE:SMIN)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024