Defending Against the Unknown: Why the FAST-ACT DEFEND Kit is Critical for First Responders

Every day, emergency responders face a growing challenge: the possibility of encountering unknown powders in the field. What may appear to be harmless dust on a countertop, in a vehicle, or inside a bag could in fact be a potent and lethal synthetic opioid like fentanyl. With just 2 milligrams capable of being fatal—equivalent to a few grains of salt—responders can’t take any chances with fentanyl decontamination and detection (US Drug Enforcement Administration). 

The rise of fentanyl and other illicit drugs has amplified these risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths, with fentanyl at the center of this crisis. For those on the front lines, having a reliable, field-ready solution for both detection and decontamination is no longer optional—it’s essential. 

The Growing Threat of Fentanyl 

Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin (DEA Fact Sheet). It’s often found in clandestine labs, makeshift pill-press operations, or smuggled across borders, where it appears in powders, pills, and mixed into other narcotics. 

While most law enforcement and emergency response encounters with fentanyl don’t result in significant toxic exposure, the most concerning risk comes from inhalation. Powder can become airborne during a raid, a fan being switched on, or even during on-scene risk assessment. In these moments, the danger of illicit drug exposure is highest. Accidental inhalation or contamination of personal protective equipment (PPE) puts responders at serious risk (Department of Homeland Security). 

Why Traditional Decontamination Falls Short 

When it comes to fentanyl, simply “cleaning” isn’t enough. Soap and water may remove powder from a surface, but the drug itself stays chemically intact — meaning the danger doesn’t go away. Stronger chemicals like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid have also been tested, but each comes with problems: 

• Limited effectiveness: Common cutting agents in street fentanyl, like ascorbic acid, can weaken or block the action of bleach and other solutions. 

• Residues and safety risks: Studies show hydrogen peroxide can leave fentanyl traces behind, while peracetic acid is corrosive, irritating to skin and lungs, and can leave sticky residues on gear and PPE. 

• Slow and complicated: These methods often require mixing steps, long dwell times, or precise conditions that are hard to manage in the middle of an emergency. 

That’s where recent testing on the FAST-ACT® DEFEND Kit shows a breakthrough. Instead of just wiping fentanyl away, the kit actually destroys the drug at the molecular level. Recent testing of a comprehensive opioid response kit indicates a meaningful advance. Rather than merely wiping fentanyl away, the system destroys the compound at the molecular level. 

• A sodium‑chlorite–based decontamination spray broke down fentanyl in just 60 seconds, as confirmed by advanced laboratory testing (NMR analysis) showing the disappearance of the drug’s characteristic chemical bonds. 

• Decontamination mitts provided an additional layer of protection, with each mitt capable of neutralizing more than 50 milligrams of fentanyl—meaning a single kit can handle over 100 mg of contamination in field conditions. 

For first responders, this difference is critical. Soap, bleach, and peroxide may move the hazard around — but FAST-ACT eliminates it. In fast-moving, high-risk scenarios, only proven chemical breakdown can ensure the danger is truly gone. And now, with this newly released test data, responders have clear proof that the DEFEND Kit isn’t just another tool — it’s a validated, science-backed solution designed to meet today’s fentanyl crisis head-on. 

The Need for a Complete Response Kit 

Unknown powders don’t give responders time for guesswork. A complete, start-to-finish solution is needed—one that supports Standard Safe Operation Procedures, protects equipment, and minimizes risk. For CBRN teams, hazmat units, and frontline officers alike, having a kit that provides both detection and reliable neutralization is essential. 

That’s where the FAST-ACT DEFEND Kit comes in. The DEFEND Kit (Detection, Eradication, and FENtanyl Decontamination) was designed specifically with first responders in mind. Each component addresses a critical step of the Opioid Response process: 

Rapid Detection Tool 

• Pinpoint detection of fentanyl in under three minutes 

• Tests both powders and liquids with no preparation required 

• Provides clear positive/negative results on the spot 

Bag‑on‑Valve Decontamination Spray & Wipes (sodium‑chlorite–based) 

• Neutralizes fentanyl, heroin, and other narcotics in about 60 seconds 

• Uses a non‑corrosive, non‑caustic formulation compatible with PPE, gear, and intact skin 

• Encapsulates powders during application to help prevent aerosolization 

• Employs well‑characterized oxidation reactions for rapid chemical breakdown of opioids 

FAST-ACT Decontamination Mitts 

• Contain and neutralize hazardous materials on surfaces or skin 

• Each mitt can decontaminate up to ~51 mg of fentanyl—with a full kit handling over 100 mg 

• Designed for controlled patting to avoid spreading contaminants 

FAST-ACT Decontamination Wipes 

• Provide a detailed final cleanup to help ensure no residues remain on surfaces 

Together, these tools form a systematic, field-ready solution that eliminates guesswork and maximizes responder safety. 

Real-World Impact 

The DEFEND Kit empowers law enforcement, hazmat teams, CBRN Teams, EMS, border patrol, and corrections officers to identify threats quickly and accurately, decontaminate fentanyl and related narcotics within minutes, and decontaminate surfaces, PPE, and gear safely and effectively. Each kit treats up to 1 square meter of contaminated surface, providing peace of mind in unpredictable environments. With proven performance against fentanyl and its derivatives such as heroin, meth, xylazine, and other narcotics, the DEFEND Kit gives responders confidence and time during high-risk clean-up operations. 

Conclusion: Choosing Safety in the Face of the Unknown 

For first responders, every call carries uncertainty. The rise of fentanyl has made exposure to illicit drugs one of the most dangerous threats in public safety today. Having the right tools on hand can be the difference between a safe resolution and a life-threatening exposure. 

The FAST-ACT DEFEND Kit provides the comprehensive, start-to-finish protection that today’s frontline responders demand. From on-scene risk assessment to final cleanup, it ensures high decontamination efficacy across a wide spectrum of threats. 

Choose to DEFEND. Choose safety.