Fentanyl poisonings in children doubled in 2022 in Missouri
SCOTT CITY, Mo. (KBSI) – Children are getting their hands on fentanyl in their homes, in hotel rooms and even city parks. Its become a dangerous problem for youth in Missouri.
According to a report done by the Missouri Department of Social Services deaths linked to fentanyl poisonings in children under the age of 5 have doubled in 2022.
Missouri Child Fatality Review Program (CFRP) Annual Report for 2022.
In 2021, 10 Children under age 5 died from fentanyl poisoning in Missouri, and in 2022 it doubled to 20, according to the Department of Social Services.
Scott Citys Police Chief Chris Griggs says its too easy for kids to get their hands on.
“We have seen some cases over the last several months involving juveniles specifically and the part that we have to contend with is how readily available it is.”
At the same time a rise in teenagers getting their hands on fentanyl has also increased. According to Missouri’s annual report another 20 children between the ages of 15 and 17 overdosed on fentanyl, 43 fentanyl related fatalities in children were reported in total for 2022. A 500% increase from 2021. Unlike other drugs children aren’t suffering from addiction disorder from fentanyl, they are dying.
Cora Irvin is a paramedic supervisor with South Scott County ambulance district. She says overdose in children and adults look relatively the same.
“Patients become slower to respond or unresponsive their heart rate will slow down, their blood pressure will come down, they’ll get sleepy on you one second when they were just normal two seconds before that, they look like they’re going to sleep.”
Irvan says fentanyl being so potent is what makes is more of a threat to young children.
“Its fifty times stronger than heroin is so its not good whenever they get ahold of it. Especially little kids. Their bodies are smaller and they cant handle as much as an adult.”
If you suspect a child or an adult is suffering from a fentanyl overdose you should call 911, and give Narcan every two minutes until they either respond or help arrives.
Irvan also says its important for people to remember that fentanyl administered at a hospital is much different then street fentanyl. Fentanyl given by medical professional’s is safe and street fentanyl is not.
