ALPHARETTA, GA – Halyard Health (NYSE: HYH), a global medical technology company focused on preventing infection, announces the introduction of a new fentanyl-resistance claim for BLACK-FIRE gloves. The exam gloves exceed the recommendations and guidelines for handling fentanyl outlined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety’s (NIOSH).1
WHY: In the midst of the growing opioid epidemic, law enforcement, fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel face increased risk of exposure to fentanyl, an opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin and 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).2 Halyard Health is committed to ensuring that first responders are properly protected in potentially harmful situations.
WHAT: According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA),3 it only takes 2-3 milligrams of fentanyl to induce respiratory depression, cardiac arrest and possibly death. BLACK-FIRE powder-free nitrile exam gloves safeguard against exposure with the following key features:
Resistance to fentanyl
· Tested according to the ASTM D6978 guidelines and found to resist permeation of fentanyl for up to 240 minutes.
· Compatible with NIOSH’s recommendations and guidelines for handling fentanyl.1
Superior protection & safety
· Patented nitrile technology for stronger protection and improved comfort.
· Easy detection of potentially contaminated doffed gloves showing the orange on the outside.
Breach detection with QUICK CHECK* technology
· Black outer color allowing for easy detection of life-threatening substances.
· High-visibility orange inner layer ensures rips and tears are easy to see.
WHO: New Fentanyl indications expand the compatibility of BLACK-FIRE gloves to use by EMS professionals and law enforcement personnel, in addition to healthcare professionals in clinical settings.
For additional information about the BLACK-FIRE glove, talk to your Halyard Health representative or visit www.halyardhealth.com/ems. For educational resources on the selection of exam gloves for EMS and other health professionals, visit the HALYARD KNOWLEDGE NETWORK* at www.HalyardKnowledgeNetwork.com
About Halyard Health:
Halyard Health (NYSE: HYH) is a medical technology company focused on eliminating pain, speeding recovery and preventing infection for healthcare providers and their patients. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Halyard is committed to addressing some of today’s most important healthcare needs, such as reducing the use of opioids while helping patients move from surgery to recovery. Halyard’s Medical Device business develops, manufactures and markets clinically superior solutions that improve medical outcomes and business performance in more than 90 countries. For more information, visit www.halyardhealth.com.
1: Per CDC, not recommended for high-risk situations where liquid fentanyl or large amounts of fentanyl products are visible; refer scene to special operations response workers (such as local hazmat team).
2. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fentanyl/risk.html
3. https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/Fentanyl_BriefingGuideforFirstResponders_June2017.pdf
