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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jim Rufer, Battalion Chief, EMS Division and David McCabe, Assistant Chief-Support Services
DATE: October 3, 2019
SUBJECT:
A resolution to purchase eighteen (18) Narcbox locking narcotic storage safes and software subscriptions from ESO Solutions of Austin, TX
PURPOSE:
To purchase eighteen (18) Narcbox locking narcotic storage safes and software subscriptions. Seventeen (17) of the devices will be installed in all Aurora Fire Department (AFD) advanced life support (ALS) ambulance and engine companies. The eighteenth (18th) box would be installed in the emergency medical services (EMS) office. This box is larger and designed to hold the medications needed to replenish the units after medications are administered on calls.
BACKGROUND:
The AFD paramedics are trained to administer many emergency medications, including some that are controlled substances. Although crews are taught to lock their vehicles when not in them, the controlled substances are not secured further. Due to recent increases in illicit fentanyl use, securing the medications has become even more important than in the past. The EMS system is also pushing for paramedic units to make their controlled substance security tighter. The week of October 1, 2019, Aurora Police responded to a call in the area of Rush-Copley Medical Center, and found two people unresponsive in a vehicle. Vials of controlled substances, similar to what the AFD paramedics use, were found in the vehicle. Although it was determined the medications were not taken from an AFD ambulance, it highlights the importance of more secure medication storage.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (US DEA) is putting pressure on all medical providers who use controlled medications, including prehospital providers as the Aurora Fire Department, to secure their medications and track their usage. The Narcboxes and software will help the AFD do just that.
DISCUSSION:
Securing controlled substances ...
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