Methamphetamine and Clandestine Drug Labs Firefighter Safety 11/15/2018

Introduction Once thought of as a west coast problem, methamphetamine use and clandestine drug labs are becoming more popular on the east coast. In 2002, 21 meth labs were seized in South Carolina. In this training you will learn the dangers that meth users and drug labs pose to first responders and how to protect yourself. 11/15/2018

Lab Seizures in South Carolina 11/15/2018

Nationwide Lab Seizures 2002 11/15/2018

Learning objectives At the end of this training you should be able to: Define methamphetamine. Define clandestine drug lab. Recognize the signs of meth use. Recognize the indicators of a possible clandestine drug lab. Understand the dangers associated with drug labs. Know the proper actions to take if you respond to a suspected drug lab 11/15/2018

Methamphetamine Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant and is highly addictive. It produces an initial short lived rush, followed by a high that can last for 6-8 hours. It is produced in several forms which can be smoked, swallowed, snorted, or injected. 11/15/2018

Methamphetamine (cont.) Common street names include: speed, crank, ice, glass, and crystal or crystal meth. Meth is made (or “cooked”) from common, easily available materials, using one of several basic chemical processes. Most commonly used by white, blue-collar workers in their 20’s and 30’s. 11/15/2018

Types of Methamphetamine 11/15/2018

Signs and Symptoms Meth users can be identified by: Agitation Fast and excited speech Loss of appetite Increased physical activity Dilated pupils Hypertension Increased respiration Shortness of breath 11/15/2018

Signs and Symptoms (cont.) Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Insomnia Visual and auditory hallucinations Intense paranoia Compulsive, repetitive actions, especially picking or scratching at skin Episodes of sudden violent behavior 11/15/2018

Long-Term Effects Addiction Anorexia Stroke Cardiovascular collapse Permanent psychological problems due to chemical changes in the brain 11/15/2018

Questions 11/15/2018

Clandestine Drug Labs A clandestine drug lab is a makeshift lab used to produce illegal drugs. There are several drugs that can be produced in these labs with the most common being methamphetamine. Meth is cheap and easy to produce. It is made using common chemicals and over the counter medications. 11/15/2018

Where Clandestine Drug Labs Are Found Homes Motel Rooms Campgrounds Mini-storage buildings Motor homes Trailers Garages Sheds 11/15/2018

Meth Lab in Home 11/15/2018

Mobile Meth Lab 11/15/2018

Meth Lab in Suitcase 11/15/2018

Where Clandestine Drug Labs Are Found (cont.) Commonly found in remote areas due to the odors they produce. 11/15/2018

Dangers of Meth Labs Substances used to cook meth include corrosive, flammable, and toxic chemicals. A common by-product of making meth is hydrogen gas which is flammable and can be explosive in a confined area. Some substances become highly unstable during the cooking process and can be extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Labs may contain booby traps. 11/15/2018

Dangers of Meth Labs (cont.) 20-30% of meth labs are discovered due to explosions. 51% of all injuries incurred at meth labs are to first responders. Respiratory irritation is the most common injury (54%). Eye irritation is second (11%). 11/15/2018

Examples Washington In 1996 an oven exploded as two people were using acetone, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide to make meth in an apartment. One person was transported with chemical burns causing three paramedics and three hospital employees to become exposed as well. They experienced eye irritation, respiratory distress, and vomiting. 11/15/2018

Examples Oregon In 1999 a firefighter was exposed to hydrochloric acid while extinguishing a fire in a meth lab. He received chemical burns through his turn out gear. 11/15/2018

Examples Iowa In 1999 three police officers had respiratory irritation after being exposed to anhydrous ammonia during a raid at a meth lab. 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab Clues which may indicate a possible drug lab include: Access denied Covered or blacked-out windows Unusual traffic or activities Burn pits, stained soil, or dead vegetation Bottles or jars with glass tubing attached Glass cookware or frying pans containing a powdery residue 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) Unusually large amount of camping fuel, paint thinner, acetone, starting fluid, Lye, or drain cleaner. Large amounts of lithium batteries Propane tanks with fittings that have turned blue. Coffee filters with red stains, a white pasty substance, or shiny white crystals. 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) Occupants going outside to smoke. Strong smell of cat urine, ether, ammonia, or acetone. Large amounts of diet aids or cold medications that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) The following chemicals are used to make meth and may be indicators of a possible drug lab: Iodine Red phosphorus Sulfuric acid Hydrochloric acid Muriatic Acid Alcohol Ether 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) Benzene Freon Chloroform Anhydrous Ammonia Phenyl-2-Propane Phenylacetone Epsom Salts 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.) 11/15/2018

What to Do if You Suspect You are at a Drug Lab If you are already inside: Back out immediately DO NOT interrupt the cooking process Do not touch any contaminated surfaces or materials ( this includes patients) Notify law enforcement Consider the need for decontamination 11/15/2018

What to Do if You Suspect You are at a Drug Lab (cont What to Do if You Suspect You are at a Drug Lab (cont.) If you have not yet entered the structure: Notify law enforcement Call for back-up Evacuate the structure If you must enter for rescue, wear full turn-out gear and SCBA DO NOT disturb the cooking process Avoid touching contaminated surfaces and materials as much as possible 11/15/2018

What to Do if You Suspect You are at a Drug Lab (cont.) Decontaminate victims and personnel If fire is involved operate in a defensive mode 11/15/2018

Summary Meth users can be unpredictable and dangerous Meth labs can be anywhere Meth labs are extremely dangerous to first responders Meth labs are haz-mat as well as crime scenes When in doubt, stay out 11/15/2018