By EMS1 Staff
NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. — Two paramedics were placed on administrative leave after reportedly using needles that were larger than necessary on patients.
New Castle County EMS Division officials launched the investigation after they were notified of the paramedics’ actions last month, reported Delaware Online.
“After that initial review, the county medical director suspended the clinical privileges of the two county paramedics,” county spokesman Jason Miller said. “New Castle County has placed the two paramedics on administrative leave pending further action.”
Based on initial findings, the alleged conduct involved twelve patients; the conduct did not cause injury that required medical attention, according to the report.
Dr. Howard Mell, a spokesman for the American College of Emergency Physicians, said paramedics normally determine the size of a needle based on each patient’s case.
“The training is to use a needle of sufficient size to be able to administer the medicine that you need at the rate that you need to give it,” Dr. Mell said. “Hence, a larger sized needle could allow medicine to be administered faster than a smaller needle.”