Strategies for safer, smarter EMS medication management
This coverage explores the medications that support EMS care and the systems that keep them safe, secure and available when patients need them most. From controlled substance inventory and management, to medication safety and compliance, we’ll examine the strategies, challenges and solutions shaping medication management across EMS.
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Implementing a medication administration cross check helped St. Charles County Ambulance District reduce dosing errors and win recognition for its Just Culture
Look for tampered packaging, excessive use and false documentation to identify a drug diversion in your EMS agency
The criminalization of medical errors has added a new layer to reducing harm
Bernalillo County’s co-responder unit pairs clinicians, paramedics and detectives on behavioral health calls and now allows paramedics to administer an antipsychotic medication in the field
Lincoln Fire and Rescue paramedics were recognized for using the Handtevy app during a critical pediatric emergency
Rockland Paramedic Services added 14 Cyanokits to treat suspected cyanide poisoning in fire victims and firefighters
Additional coverage
Whatever happens next in court, this tragic case leaves EMS with five hard-earned lessons that could save a patient’s life — and your career
Communicating with law enforcement and following these clinical guidelines will help to keep patient safety first and foremost
EMS providers debate whether making IV acetaminophen the first-line option improves patient care or limits provider judgment
Cooper EMS paramedics can now administer extended-release buprenorphine in the field, giving overdose patients longer treatment coverage and more time to connect with follow-up care
Investigators say an Islamorada firefighter/paramedic took a partially used vial after a call and falsified records
The Council Bluffs Fire Department has partnered with OneDose to calculate medication doses, helping paramedics deliver faster and more accurate care
OneDose’s new eMACC app digitizes medication cross-checks for EMS, aiming to reduce errors and streamline protocol updates
Sarasota County Fire Department has removed opioids from front-line apparatus and now uses IV acetaminophen to treat moderate to severe pain in the prehospital setting
The St. Paul Fire Department has expanded the use of Suboxone on advanced life support ambulances citywide
The Westford Fire Department has expanded its capabilities, allowing paramedics to provide early antibiotic treatment to patients with suspected septic shock
Research Monitor
Lessons in preparing for high-risk intubations and avoiding peri-intubation hypotension
A $6,687 grant helped the Seekonk Fire Department purchase two IV medication infusion pumps, improving the ability to deliver lifesaving care during transport
Critical insights on the safe administration of ketamine, versed, lorazepam, ativan and haloperidol
A wrongful death lawsuit claims Hayward police and Falck paramedics repeatedly failed during the restraint and chemical sedation of a suspect, intensifying scrutiny of use of midazolam
We asked readers for advice on learning and studying pharmacology and received dozens of fantastic responses