6 February 2024
WABAUNSEE COUNTY, Kan. (KSNT) – A pair of local sheriff’s deputies came into contact with a harmful substance on Monday following a report of a traffic accident.
The Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office said on social media that two deputies are in stable condition at a local hospital after suspected fentanyl exposure. Undersheriff Eric Kirsch said the deputies were responding to a single-vehicle crash around 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 5 when contact with the incident occurred.
Deputies discovered the motorist may have been driving under the influence when the crash happened. The driver allegedly threw a plastic bag containing a white powder into a nearby ditch as deputies arrived. As this happened, some of the substance came into contact with the deputies at the scene. Both are expected to recover.
Kirsch encourages people to be wary of unknown substances as these situations could lead to hospitalizations. He also recommends people have access to the opioid reversal medication Narcan.
Fentanyl is described as a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for pain relief and for use as an anesthetic, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website. Fentanyl can cause people to experience feelings of relaxation, euphoria, confusion and drowsiness. Overdosing on fentanyl can lead to life-threatening situations.