RE: Drug Adulteration Management

[Guest guest]

In our new protocols which should be in effect soon, we have a policy that

temps will be monitored by thermometers in the jump kit on the engine and

the patient compartment on the ambulance. A high/low reading will be

monitored.

We are looking into under the bench A/C and Heat units that run

independently and off a shoreline plug in power supply.

Steve Lemming

Azle FD

[Guest guest]

Steve:

Is the temperature measurement done by some type of thermometer that

indicates what the high and low temp it was exposed to has been? If so, what

company manufactures this unit. Thanks for the information.

Dave

RE: Drug Adulteration Management

> In our new protocols which should be in effect soon, we have a policy that

> temps will be monitored by thermometers in the jump kit on the engine and

> the patient compartment on the ambulance. A high/low reading will be

> monitored.

>

> We are looking into under the bench A/C and Heat units that run

> independently and off a shoreline plug in power supply.

>

> Steve Lemming

> Azle FD

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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> Buy one today at Corbis.com

> http://click./1/3357/4/_/4981/_/955648352/

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>

[Guest guest]

This is the big unknown factor in this problem--what has happened to the meds

before we receive them. I was told by one supplier that they used to put

temperature-sensitive strips in their shipments. The strips never showed any

temperature problem so they quit using them on the grounds that there wasn't

a problem so there was no need for the monitoring. I also know that at least

some shipments ride around for hours in the back of a UPS truck--spring,

summer, fall, winter--with no temperature control. So, where are the

guarantees? Who is responsible for what? Where does the responsibility

begin and where does it end? Are meds shipped to doctors and hospitals

handled the same way? Wish I had the answers.

Maxine

In a message dated 04/13/00 5:09:18 PM Central Daylight Time,

lems227@... writes:

<< The other side of this story concerns the drugs before they get to you.

How

do you know they have been stored appropriately? It is my understanding

that rules (FDA, maybe?) don't require the manufacturer to guarantee proper

storage and it is the responsibility of the end user(regional warehouse to

local distributor to EMS) to maintain this protection. Do any of you know

if this is true, and if it is, how is it being addressed in your policies

and your suppliers?? >>

[Guest guest]

Dave wrote:

> Hey Folks:

>

> I'd like to poll the troops and get some idea how different EMS services are

dealing with the issues related to drug adulteration policies. How are you

dealing with storage issues. I need to hear from the big fish, the small fry,

and the guys sitting on the dock with a pole.

>

> Dave

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dave,

We are utilizing general environmental controls, i.e. park units inside

heated/shaded garages, on-board heaters and a/c units to control our storage

temps.

The big question is, " Will this work? " .

I recently began monitoring storage temps on board units by placing

temperature monitoring devices in the drug storage areas. My original

contact with these devices was through the hvac industry, but they are also

used by freight companies and others to track ambient relative humidity

levels and/or temperatures in shipments of anything temperature/humidity

sensitive. You can see more info at http://www.deltatrak.com . They are

relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

This system is working and will at least tell me if I need to change my

policy and look at controlled temp storage units for meds on board the

units.

The other side of this story concerns the drugs before they get to you. How

do you know they have been stored appropriately? It is my understanding

that rules (FDA, maybe?) don't require the manufacturer to guarantee proper

storage and it is the responsibility of the end user(regional warehouse to

local distributor to EMS) to maintain this protection. Do any of you know

if this is true, and if it is, how is it being addressed in your policies

and your suppliers??

Steve Tatum

Drug Adulteration Management

> Hey Folks:

>

> I'd like to poll the troops and get some idea how different EMS services

are dealing with the issues related to drug adulteration policies. How are

you dealing with storage issues. I need to hear from the big fish, the small

fry, and the guys sitting on the dock with a pole.

>

> Dave

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Steve, I hope you are doing okay. We have several heat/ac units which are

working very well. If I can provide you with info. please give me a call at

Reliable Emergency Vehicles at 1-, we are picking up your

wrecked unit on Monday with your loaner. Thanks Glenn

RE: Drug Adulteration Management

> In our new protocols which should be in effect soon, we have a policy that

> temps will be monitored by thermometers in the jump kit on the engine and

> the patient compartment on the ambulance. A high/low reading will be

> monitored.

>

> We are looking into under the bench A/C and Heat units that run

> independently and off a shoreline plug in power supply.

>

> Steve Lemming

> Azle FD

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 25% Off All Prints!

> Buy one today at Corbis.com

> http://click./1/3357/4/_/4981/_/955648352/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Glen:

Thanks for he reply. Bring any info you have, we would surely be interested!

Steve