N.C. paramedic under investigation for alleged tampering with controlled substances

An investigation into the Durham County Emergency Medical Services employee’s conduct found “vials with clear evidence of tampering”

February 17, 2023 01:56 PM

Durham County Emergency Medical Services has placed a paramedic on leave during the investigation.

By Aaron Sánchez-Guerra
The News & Observer

DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham County Emergency Medical Services paramedic is being investigated for allegedly interfering with controlled substances in secure storage.

Evidence that a vial containing a controlled substance from a “secure access” storage safe had been tampered with was reported by a supervisor, prompting an investigation on Feb. 11.

The next day, a follow-up investigation “found other similar vials with clear evidence of tampering,” according to a Friday news release.

EMS notified the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the matter.

The paramedic has been placed on leave pending the investigation.

The News & Observer has reached out to authorities for more information about the investigation including what was in the vials.