Ambulances launched this year, but crews lacking ability to use critical medications
Sugar Land launched its ambulance service in January even though it did not have the licenses needed to use critical medications, such as morphine and Valium, which are regulated as controlled substances.
“Most agencies would not engage in patient transport without having those types of procedures in place,” said Dr. Craig Manifold, a nationally recognized EMS expert and medical director of several 911 services in the San Antonio area. “The controlled substance licenses allow them to use medications that assist in potentially life threatening emergencies.”
Recommended guidelines by several emergency medicine organizations suggest the use of controlled substances for some 911 patients. Clinical guidelines issued last year by the National Association of State EMS officials list 59 medications, many of which are controlled substances. Sugar Land’s current drug formulary includes 28 medications.
Controlled substances are drugs whose creation, transport and use are regulated because of the potential for abuse or dependence. An example is the pain medication hydrocodone.
City leaders insisted medical care has not been compromised and argued that patients receive help quicker now than in earlier years, when Fort Bend County EMS served the city and struggled to meet response time goals.
“We’re confident that we’re meeting the needs of our community,” Sugar Land spokesman Doug Adolph said. “In those limited circumstances when pain medications are necessary — generally less than 3 percent of EMS calls — we’re confident patients still receive those much faster.”
Sugar Land received its state and federal licenses in late March, but still must update its protocols and order the drugs, said Assistant Fire Chief Mario Partida, who led the ambulance launch project. The city hopes to start using the drugs by August, he said.
In the meantime, Adolph said residents can be given controlled substances once they reach the hospital.
“We continue to work through the lengthy process required to carry additional pain medications on our ambulances,” Adolph said.
For more information about the licensing delays and how national organizations suggest controlled substances be used, read the full story on HoustonChronicle.com.