(2) DB 18-08 Controlled Narcotics On Rescue Ambulances

Question 1

Paramedics assigned to an ALS RA and EMS Battalion Captains are responsible for controlled medication security and accountability, which are best maintained through SECURED ACCESS, TIMELY INVENTORY CHECKS, and accurate DOCUMENTATION in what areas?

Answer 1

-F-903, Controlled Medication Inventory Record

-the RA Journal (F2)

-patient’s ePCR.

Question 2

The F-_____ shall be carried at all times on each ALS RA and by EMS Battalion Captains who supply controlled medications.

This form is the only narcotic control record approved for use on LAFD apparatus.

Answer 2

F-903 Controlled Medication Inventory Record

Question 3

DHS mandates that all entries on the F-903 shall be in what color ink?

Answer 3

-Black or blue ink only

(Any errors shall be corrected by drawing a single line through the incorrect entry. The individual making the change shall initial adjacent to their correction. “White out” is NOT ALLOWED)

Question 4

Federal and State laws require that all members who have possession of a controlled medication key document inventory count for any of the following changes:

Answer 4

-Shift change (must be verified PRIOR to departure of off-going members. Also, members remaining on duty must do check again)

-Personnel change

-Inventory change

Question 5

The EMS Battalion Captain will normally re-supply the controlled medications within ____ hours.

Answer 5

24 hours

(at no time shall the controlled medication inventory on an ALS RA be less than the minimum inventory required by Department of Health Services (DHS).)

Question 6

When does the Station Commander review the F-903?

Answer 6

First day of each month, review previous months F-903.

Question 7

After each month, a copy of the F-903 shall be made and retained on file for _____ years at the assigned location of the ALS resource.

The original F-903 shall be forwarded to the EMS Battalion Captain

Answer 7

3 years

Question 8

The following process shall be adhered to anytime a controlled medication is determined lost or missing (including documentation discrepancies):

Answer 8

• Involved paramedics notify Station Commander who shall notify the BC and EMS Captain.

• A police report is also required for any suspected lost, stolen, or missing controlled medications

• The Station Commander shall conduct an investigation and submit a written report (F-225) detailing the facts of the lost/missing drugs to the Commander, Emergency Medical Services Bureau, THROUGH CHANNELS.

• The Station Commander shall enter the incident into the Complaint Tracking System.

Question 9

ALS Unit Inventory of the Disaster Pharmaceutical Cache (DPC) is as follows:

Answer 9

• (30) DuoDote Kits or equivalent

• (12) Atropen 1.0 mg – when available

• (12) Pediatric Atropen 0.5 mg – when available

(Paramedics assigned to ALS ambulances shall be responsible for maintaining the correct DPC inventory for their assigned unit.)

Question 10

EMS Battalion Captains shall conduct an inspection every _______ of all controlled drugs issued to them and their assigned ALS resources

Answer 10

Month

(EMS Battalion Captains shall also check the F-903, Controlled Medication Inventory Record and medical supply lockers during bi-monthly inspections.)

Question 11

Controlled medication inventories and logs are subject to inspection by:

Answer 11

-California Board of Pharmacy

-agents of the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement Administration of the Justice Department

-Federal Drug Enforcement Administration

-Los Angeles County EMS Agency

-responsible officers of the Department.

Question 12

Whenever an inspector from an outside agency requests to inspect the narcotic inventory and/or documentation of the inventory, the responsible member shall:

Answer 12

1. Immediately notify the Station Commander, Battalion Commander, and the administrative EMS Battalion Captain.
2. Check the identification of the inspector, and if it is in order, give full cooperation and access to the requested information. A Department member shall accompany the inspector at all times.
3. Make a journal entry of the visit
4. Forward an F-225 to the Commander, Emergency Services Bureau, THROUGH CHANNELS, within 24 hours of the inspection.

Question 13

Should it become necessary to downgrade an ALS resource to Basic Life Support (BLS) status, the drug safe (and the drug pouch) containing controlled medications shall be removed from the apparatus and secured where?

Answer 13

in a locked cabinet within the fire station.

(Additionally, all other ALS medications and equipment shall be removed from the apparatus.)