A serious drug tampering issue has come to the attention of ODEMSA.  We have received multiple notifications of drug tampering with seal deception involving the following narcotics:   

Morphine Sulfate and Diazepam Carpuject® Syringes

Authorities are involved and appropriate measures are being taken.  In some instances, the narcotic in the syringe has been compromised with an unknown substance.  As this presents a potential compromise of patient care, we are asking that specific steps be followed. 

Recently, ODEMSA staff was alerted, by members of the ODEMSA Pharmacy Committee, that there is a current shortage of magnesium sulfate injection(s) as supplied in the ODEMSA medication/drug boxes.  This shortage is due to the fact that the medication is unavailable from the manufacturer in the form normally supplied for our boxes.  The pharmacy suppliers are indicating this could remain an issue until mid to late July and in some instances, mid August 2011.  Until we are confident this shortage is resolved, the ODEMSA Pharmacy Chairs and the ODEMSA Regional Medical Director have authorized the following action:

We are very proud to announce the winners of our 2011 Regional Award Program, the winners were honored at the ODEMSA Regional Awards Banquet that was held on July 29, 2011.

It was certainly inspiring to read about so many amazing individuals and agencies that are dedicated to providing the highest level of care in their communities; ODEMSA is proud to honor EMS practitioners throughout our region for providing high quality prehospital care.  When you nominate someone you not only recognize the candidate, you honor and recognize the EMS profession and all EMS practitioners who provide emergency patient care to their communities every day.  Start thinking about your choice for the 2012 Awards ceremonies.

Richmond Fire and EMS - Technical Rescue Teams

Richmond, Virginia

2011 Regional Award for Outstanding Prehospital Provider

Mary Betts, NR/CCEMT-P

Southside VA Emergency Crew

2011 Regional Award for Outstanding EMS Physician

Joseph Ornato, MD, FACP,FACC, FACEP, FAHA

Richmond, Virginia

2011 Regional Award for Outstanding Prehospital Educator

Kenneth Williams, NREMT-P

VCU - Center for Trauma and Crital Care Education

2011 Regional Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS

Mark Chase, R.N., NREMT-P

Richmond Fire and EMS

2011 Regional Award for Outstanding EMS Administrator

Tracy A. Thomas, NREMT-P

                                                          Richmond Fire and EMS

2011 Regional Award for Outstanding EMS Agency

Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad

Chesterfield, Virginia

2011 Regional Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS

Health and Safety

Richmond Fire and EMS

Richmond, Virginia

2011 Regional Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children

                                                                      No Nominee

2011 Regional Award for Outstanding Telecommunications Officer

Cpl. Kimberly A. Trostle

Greensville County Sheriff's Office

2011 Regional Council Scholarship for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior

Meredyth Daniel, EMT-B

                                                  Colonial Heights Fire and EMS