PRESS RELEASE
MINERVA, Ohio — In 2025, Visual Detection Systems (VDS), an Ohio-based woman-owned company, is proud to announce the commercialization of its groundbreaking fentanyl detection wipe – First Defense. A handheld field tool designed to help first responders quickly identify the presence of fentanyl. This innovation marks a major milestone in the fight against opioid-related threats and reflects years of collaborative research, testing, and development.
Field trials across Ohio, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts yielded enthusiastic responses from law enforcement agencies, with recent tests at the Peabody, MA police department confirming the product’s effectiveness..
The First Defense one-step detection process offers a fast, presumptive, visual indication of fentanyl presence, helping protect first responders, EMTs, and healthcare workers from accidental exposure.
“Our mission is to protect those who protect us,” said Ann Hull the owner of VDS. “This product is a direct result of cross-industry collaboration, scientific innovation, and a commitment to public safety.”
Visual Detection Systems is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a hub for innovation across disciplines. For more information, visit www.firstdefensewipe.com or contact sales@firstdefensewipe.com.