SYNTHETIC DRUGS

Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs are chemically laced substances similar to marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines sold over the counter at some convenience stores, gas stations, or tobacco shops.

The chemical make-up divides these into two categories: Cannabinoids and Cathinones. Cannabinoids are known as K2 or Spice, they are chemically formulated versions of synthetic marijuana that consists of lab-manufactured THC. Cathinones are often known as “bath salts”, they contain chemical compounds that mimic the effects of cocaine or meth. These are not intended for human consumption. They are dangerous because buyers do not know the chemicals they are ingesting, some can be two to 500 times stronger than THC. These aren’t illegal because the manufactures adapt simply by replacing the chemical compound being banned, while increasing the risk to the users, who are unaware of the reactions the new chemical may cause.

Packaging is deceiving for they are sold as incense, like Spice, G-Four, K2, and Mojo. They don’t have to list all the ingredients used and the ones they aren’t listing are the potentially dangerous and mind-altering. The products are marked with “not for human consumption” and users are still disobeying this label. These are not any safer or less potent than that of marijuana. Users report greater: -Anxiety, -Nausea, -Paranoia, -Discomfort, -Confusion, and –Desire for feeling to end. Both marijuana and synthetic chemicals negatively affect: -Short-term memory, -Motivation, -Reasoning ability, -Emotional stability, -Learning, and –Stamina. Bottom line: these herbal incenses and smoking mixtures are not herbal, not safe, and in some cases, not legal.

“Bath salts”  are packaged as crystalline powder in a small bag with names on it such as: -Ivory Wave, -Blow, -Red Dove, -Vanilla Sky, -Aura, -Zeus 2, - Zoom, -Bliss, -Blue Silk, - White Lightening, -Ocean, -Charge, -White Dove, and others. “Bath Salts” are a designer drug that has recently become available and can cause severe side effects. Signs/symptoms of this use are: -Severe paranoia, -Violent behavior, -Hallucinations, -Chest pain, -Seizures, -Decreased need for sleep, -Lack of appetite, and –Self-mutilation. Users have symptoms for 2-3 days and report the high as “horrible” and see demons, monsters, foreign soldiers or aliens, and some having to under-go long term psychiatric care because it doesn’t improve.

A big one now that has recently hit the news is a drug called “FLAKKA” also known as alpha-PVP, it is similar to “bath salts” and people are putting it on candies such as “sour patch kids”. “Parents please keep an eye out for an extremely dangerous drug disguised as a popular candy that is being seen across the country. These candies are usually individually wrapped, differentiating themselves from their legitimate counterparts” the Facebook post reads. Just like the rest of the alpha-PVP drugs of this kind can cause “excited delirium” and a feeling of euphoria and “hulk-like” strength. It is a very serious drug that can cause system failures, heart attack, serious risks, or even death! This drug is easily attainable and can be bought online through China. Worse yet, it is very cheap like pocket change for some as little as $3.

Long-term health problems that occur from “bath salt” are: -Kidney failure, -Liver failure, -Increased risk of suicide, -Long-term mental illness, -Self-mutilation, and –Death. These products can contain one of many “designer drugs” such as these currently used ones: -MDPV (methylenediozy pyrovalerone, but it could also contain mephedrone, a Khat derivative.)

Do you know basic first aid?

HELP!!!   MY NOSE IS BLEEDING AND WON’T STOP.    

 NEVER PUT YOUR HEAD BACK.  You could actually choke on your own blood if you tilt your head back while having a severe nose bleed. 

SO, WHAT DO I DO?  Tilt your head forward and pinch the nose very tight with constant pressure on the soft part toward the bottom of the nose.  If after a few minutes the bleeding continues, press harder.  If you cannot stop the bleeding in about 15 minutes, call 911 or go to the nearest health care facility.

OH, NO, I JUST BURNED MY ARM WITH VERY HOT COFFEE!!!

When you end up with a burn caused by hot liquids, fire, hot surface, or even steam, use cool water on the damaged area.  Only use cool water, not cold, as cold water or ice can damage the area even worse.  If the area is small enough, run cool water over the burn until it does not hurt anymore, approximately 5-10 minutes.

GRANDPA, ARE YOU OK?  ARE YOU CHOKING?

The universal choking sign is holding the neck with one or both hands.  When someone has severe choking, give thrusts slightly above the belly button.  These thrusts are sometimes called the Heimlich maneuver.  Like a cough, each thrust pushes air from the lungs.  This can help remove an object that is blocking the airway.  Get behind the person, wrap your arms around them so your hands are in front.  Make a fist with one hand, put the thumb side of your fist slightly higher than the belly button and well below the breastbone.  Grasp the fist with your other hand and give a quick upward thrust into the abdomen. 

We at EOS have classes you can take for First Aid and CPR to help you learn how to help someone that may have one of these issues so you will know what to do when an emergency happens.

*Facts taken from American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid. 

EMPLOYERS: BEFORE YOU HIRE, CAN YOUR EMPLOYEE CANDIDATE DO THE JOB and INSTILL SAFETY?

Employee On-Boarding Specialties can be a great benefit to all employers by helping them to have the knowledge concerning a new employee on the status of their work related safety practices, and their ability to perform the task involved with their new post offer job. We do that using WorkSTEPS® functional employment testing.

The WorkSTEPS® test may not be performed until the employer has made a conditional job offer and must be completed before the individual begins work.  WorkSTEPS® functional employment testing will lower your worker’s compensation claims and create a safer, more productive workplace.  The Post-Offer Basic Test takes approximately two hours or less to complete.  The following diagram shows the process for the WorkSTEPS®:

Testing Process

This test may be expanded at the clinician’s discretion to quantify the extent of any pre-existing deficits. The test provides baseline information that may be used at a later date by employers, insurers, and/or medical providers to establish pre-injury status.  By going through the WorkSTEPS® program, we can see if the employee is a safe and cooperative worker, and we will pass that information to the employer as well.  The technicians here at Employee On-Boarding will teach the employee the proper way to perform lifts without injury, up to an average of 100 pounds, and to use that safe method throughout the lifts being performed.  We will also teach the employee how to turn their torso, and maneuver around objects, etc. all without hurting their backs.

Companies that have started using the WorkSTEPS® program have had significant and immediate results in reductions on worker’s compensation claims - up to a 50% reduction in some cases, and it continued thereafter.  All the tests are medically-safe, legally compliant, scientific and objective, and specifically designed to match a worker’s functional capabilities to the job performed. And all technicians who perform the tests are trained by WorkSTEPS®.

Ever thought about something like this for your company?  Give us a call and we can give you information on how to get into the WorkSTEPS® program.  This program isn’t just for your employees that are doing heavy lifting, but is for anyone in the office from the receptionist to the CEO of the company.  WorkSTEPS® has programs for ergonomics as well as for heavy lifting and drivers.

Information in this article was taken from www.worksteps.com.