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Trending: Narcotics theft

What makes these recent cases even more worrisome is the fact that to satisfy their addiction, these medics put patients’ safety at risk

Management of patient’s pain is an important treatment medics provide. But some caregivers, unfortunately, abuse the trust put into them to carry and distribute narcotics. In the past few weeks we have had several stories about drug diversion. From a paramedic administering unneeded painkillers to patients so she could keep the rest, to a paramedic stealing Fentanyl and replacing it with an unknown liquid. What makes these recent cases even more worrisome is the fact that to satisfy their addiction, these medics put patients’ safety at risk.

Here are the stories:

Medic steals Fentanyl, replaces it with unknown liquid

A 29-year-old Florida paramedic was accused of stealing drugs for his own personal use and was charged with seven counts each of grand theft and possession of a controlled substance.

EMT steals hydrocodone from casino hotel

A 20-year-old EMT and a security guard were caught on camera stealing the pills from a locked cabinet of an Isle of Capri Casino Hotel in Missouri.

Minn. medic admits to drug diversion

A co-worker alerted management that the medic was administering Dilaudid to patients that didn’t need it. The paramedic admitted to diverting the drug for six months.

Read more about the issue:

Why EMS managers must plan for narcotic thefts

Rapid Response: Medics stealing narcotics happens with distressing regularity

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