A Deadly Mix – Xylazine Special Alert
Following the December 2022 warning from the DEA, this island phenomenon has now spread across the county as deaths are being reported due to xylazine. This drug can cause a blackout daze for hours, slowing heart rate, and a blood pressure drop to the point of death. It is also known to create severe infected wounds that can be found anywhere on the body – not just the injection site. Also known as ‘tranq’ and ‘zombie drug’, this animal tranquilizer is mixed with fentanyl as a filler to replace more expensive opioids. Unlike fentanyl, xylazine overdose cannot be reversed with naloxone (Narcan) because it is a sedative – not an opioid.
Look for wounds or skin ulcers and get medical involved
Wounds caused by xylazine use are often deep and infected with what appears to be rotting tissue. This type of wound is a tell-tale sign that someone may be using drugs containing xylazine and is a red flag for withdrawal. Medical should be notified to evaluate the patient as these wounds are known to lead to limb amputation if not treated. In some cases, specialty wound care may be indicated. ‘Tranq sores’ are also likely to be infected, so use gloves or other PPE as needed. Look for wounds or skin ulcers and get medical involved.
Call 9-1-1 and give naloxone (Narcan)
When overdose is suspected, it’s tough to know for sure what the person took or if it was laced with another substance. If someone is found unresponsive, assume overdose and give Narcan. If someone has a change in alertness that could be an overdose, don’t wait for them to go down - give Narcan as a first-line defense, as this can reverse the effects of opioids such as fentanyl. If you find someone unconscious or unresponsive, you may only have moments to take action. Call 9-1-1 and give Narcan. These actions could buy you valuable time until EMS arrives.
Stock oral airways and an ambu bag in your medical emergency bag
Xylazine has no known antidote, so Narcan will likely not reverse the effects. Treatment includes protecting their airway and getting them to the hospital for medication to stabilize their heart rate and blood pressure.
If someone is unresponsive, has a pulse, and is breathing irregularly, consider inserting an oral airway and using an ambu bag to give rescue breaths (protecting their airway). These items should be stocked in an emergency medical bag. If the person stops breathing and loses a pulse, use basic life support (BLS) techniques until EMS arrives. Let the ambulance crew know what you’ve experienced and if you are aware of a xylazine surge in your area and/or if Narcan was unsuccessful. The key to stopping a xylazine overdose death is being prepared. Stock oral airways and an ambu bag in your medical emergency bag.
For more information on Xylazine, contact training@sparktraining.us.
All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented should be treated as guidelines, not rules. The information presented is not intended to establish a standard of medical care and is not a substitute for common sense. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, and is subject to change without notice. Each situation should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. WHEN IN DOUBT, SEND THEM OUT. ®
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