1. Methamphetamine and Clandestine Drug Labs
Firefighter Safety
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2. 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.
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3. Lab Seizures in South Carolina
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4. Nationwide Lab Seizures 2002
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5. 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
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6. 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.
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7. 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.
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8. Types of Methamphetamine
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9. 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
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10. 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
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11. Long-Term Effects Addiction Anorexia Stroke Cardiovascular collapse
Permanent psychological problems due to chemical changes in the brain
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12. Questions
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13. 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.
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14. Where Clandestine Drug Labs Are Found
Homes
Motel Rooms
Campgrounds
Mini-storage buildings
Motor homes
Trailers
Garages
Sheds
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15. Meth Lab in Home
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16. Mobile Meth Lab
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17. Meth Lab in Suitcase
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18. Where Clandestine Drug Labs Are Found (cont.)
Commonly found in remote areas due to the odors they produce.
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19. 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.
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20. 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%).
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21. 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.
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22. 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.
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23. Examples Iowa
In 1999 three police officers had respiratory irritation after being exposed to anhydrous ammonia during a raid at a meth lab.
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24. 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
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25. 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.
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26. 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
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27. 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
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28. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
Benzene
Freon
Chloroform
Anhydrous Ammonia
Phenyl-2-Propane
Phenylacetone
Epsom Salts
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29. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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30. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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31. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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32. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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33. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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34. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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35. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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36. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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37. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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38. Recognizing a Drug Lab (cont.)
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39. 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
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40. 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
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41. 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
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42. 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
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