Authorities in New Mexico confirmed the presence of fentanyl and methamphetamine at a rural home where three people died and multiple first responders fell ill after responding to a suspected overdose call. One person found unresponsive in the home and one emergency responder remained hospitalized as of Friday. The responders exhibited symptoms including nausea and dizziness, which medical experts said most closely resembled fentanyl exposure. The investigation into the cause of exposure is ongoing.
First responders treated the individuals inside the home in Mountainair, east of Albuquerque, before being quarantined and decontaminated. More than a dozen responders were affected, with symptoms ranging from mild to slightly more severe. University of New Mexico Hospital Chief Medical Officer Steve McLaughlin noted that fentanyl is typically absorbed through the eyes, nose, mucous membranes, or inhalation, rather than skin contact. Methamphetamine is also toxic upon exposure, though fentanyl is less so.
Authorities were alerted to the scene by a co-worker of one of the individuals inside the home after they failed to show up for work. New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom stated that investigators did not immediately find evidence of drug manufacturing in the home. The incident has raised concerns about the risks faced by first responders in handling drug-related emergencies.