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Colo. city councilmember seeks to temporarily ban EMS use of ketamine

Aurora Councilmember Curtis Gardner is planning to propose a ban lasting 30 days after the investigation into Elijah McClain’s death is completed

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Aurora City Councilmember Curtis Gardner plans to propose a temporary ban on the use of ketamine by EMS providers.

Photo/City of Aurora

By Laura French

AURORA, Colo. — A Colorado city councilmember plans to propose a temporary ban on the use of ketamine by EMS providers.

Aurora Councilmember Curtis Gardner said he will propose the ban at a city council meeting on Sept. 14, according to CBS Denver.

The use of ketamine by first responders has come under increased scrutiny following the death of Elijah McClain, who died after being restrained by Aurora police and injected with the sedative by city medics.

McClain’s arrest and death, and the use of ketamine in the case, are currently under investigation by city authorities. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is also reviewing the use of the drug by first responders.

The ban proposed by Gardner would last for 30 days after the completion of the city’s investigation and delivery of the final report.