Philadelphia Fire Department EMS Procedure #7

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Questions and Answers

What primary objective does the Philadelphia Fire Department Emergency Medical Services Division aim to achieve through effective inventory control of pharmaceutical and advanced life support (ALS) supplies?

To ensure consistent availability of necessary resources for patient care. (correct)
To reduce the workload of paramedics and company officers.
To standardize the types of medications and equipment used across all medic units.
To minimize the financial burden of expired medications.

In the context of EMS Procedure #7, what is the most accurate description of the AE&S?

The administrative division responsible for managing all EMS personnel.
The office within the EMS Division responsible for apparatus, equipment, and supplies. (correct)
A committee that oversees the training and certification of paramedics.
A specialized unit that responds to hazardous materials incidents.

What is the most critical characteristic that defines ALS supplies?

Their ability to be reused across multiple patients to minimize waste.
Their universal applicability in both basic and advanced life support scenarios.
Their exclusive use by ALS Medic units and the requirement for medical authorization for distribution. (correct)
Their cost-effectiveness in comparison to standard medical supplies.

According to the definitions outlined in the provided document, what is the key criterion that classifies a medication as a 'controlled drug (narcotics)'?

Its listing as a 'controlled substance' or derivative under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and administration during an ALS procedure. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of EMS pharmaceutical and supply management, what best describes 'pharmaceuticals'?

Medications, fluids, and drugs used in providing ALS patient care. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of each member within the Philadelphia Fire Department concerning the implementation of EMS Procedure #7?

To exercise the appropriate control as dictated by their rank in the implementation of the procedure. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to EMS Procedure #7, how frequently does AE&S conduct inventory of each Medic Unit's pharmaceutical and ALS supplies?

Monthly (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the combined responsibility of Company Officers and paramedics regarding Medic Unit pharmaceutical and ALS supplies?

To ensure access to all Medic Unit pharmaceutical and ALS supplies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What action does AE&S perform on a monthly basis in relation to pharmaceutical and ALS supplies?

AE&S delivers pharmaceutical and ALS supplies to each Medic Unit based on the inventory, controlled drugs, and EMS equipment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What guideline do paramedics follow when stocking pharmaceutical and ALS supplies to manage the expiration dates effectively?

Stocking pharmaceutical and ALS supplies by expiration date, ensuring the older date is rotated to be used first. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for disposing of expired (non-controlled) drugs?

Disposal at an appropriate site. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can emergency orders be placed with AE&S, and during what time frame?

In cases of extreme usage, emergency orders may be placed with AE&S on weekdays between 0800 and 1630 hours. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol for placing emergency pharmaceutical and ALS supply orders outside of the weekday hours of 0800-1630, on weekends, or on holidays?

Contact the appropriate Emergency Medical Control Officer (ES-4, ES-5) through the FCC. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the responsibilities outlined in EMS Procedure #7, what best ensures the proper handling of controlled drugs within the Philadelphia Fire Department Emergency Medical Services Division?

Strict adherence to EMS Procedure #7A, which details the handling of controlled drugs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely consequence of failing to maintain effective inventory control of pharmaceutical and ALS supplies, as emphasized in EMS Procedure #7?

Potential shortages of critical resources, compromising patient care. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does EMS Procedure #7 support the concept of 'chain of custody' in the context of controlled substances?

By referencing EMS Procedure #7A, which likely outlines specific protocols for tracking and securing controlled substances from acquisition to administration. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best exemplifies the application of the principle that 'the older date is rotated to be used first' when stocking pharmaceutical and ALS supplies?

A paramedic rotates stock by placing newly received supplies in the back, ensuring that older supplies are used before they expire. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the provision for emergency orders in cases of 'extreme usage', what scenario most accurately represents such a situation?

A paramedic unit responds to a mass casualty incident, depleting its stock of critical medications and supplies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A paramedic discovers that a vial of morphine sulfate, a controlled substance, has expired. How does this situation influence the proper disposal procedure?

The vial should be returned to the AE&S office with detailed documentation, following the specific guidelines outlined in EMS Procedure #7A. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant implication of requiring paramedics and Company Officers to ensure access to all Medic Unit pharmaceutical and ALS supplies?

It ensures that necessary resources are readily available for patient care, minimizing delays during critical situations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a new procedural update mandates that all ALS supplies must be barcoded and tracked electronically, which section of the existing EMS Procedure #7 would require the most significant revision?

Section 4.1, PHARMACEUTICAL AND ALS SUPPLY INVENTORY CONTROL, to incorporate the specifics of electronic tracking and inventory management. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A paramedic anticipates a critical shortage of a specific medication due to a widespread outbreak. How does EMS Procedure #7 empower the paramedic to proactively address this issue?

The paramedic can place an emergency order with AE&S, following the established protocols for urgent supply requests. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason for the inclusion of the phrase 'BY ORDER OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER' at the end of EMS Procedure #7?

To indicate that the procedure is an official departmental policy with full authority and compliance expectations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During a city-wide emergency, a paramedic unit exhausts its supply of a crucial medication. If AE&S is unreachable due to communication failures, what immediate action aligns most closely with the intent of EMS Procedure #7?

The paramedics should consult with the on-call Emergency Medical Control Officer (ES-4, ES-5) via alternative communication channels to explore alternative solutions or obtain authorization for alternative protocols. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A fire/EMS station is located in a rural area that occasionally experiences prolonged power outages. How should the station adapt its pharmaceutical and ALS supply management practices to account for this environmental vulnerability?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the event that EMS Procedure #7 conflicts with a more recent guideline issued by a national EMS organization, which principle should guide the paramedic's actions?

Paramedics should adhere to EMS Procedure #7 unless the national guideline has been formally adopted by the Philadelphia Fire Department. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios involves a decision that would most likely require consultation with the Emergency Medical Control Officer (ES-4, ES-5) outside of normal weekday business hours?

A paramedic is considering using an experimental medication in a patient with a life-threatening condition, for which standard treatments have failed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A local hospital alerts the Philadelphia Fire Department to a potential contamination of several medications due to a storage malfunction. What proactive steps should the department take, guided by the principles of EMS Procedure #7?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A newly hired paramedic, unfamiliar with the specifics of EMS Procedure #7, asks you how to determine the 'appropriate site' for disposing of expired non-controlled drugs. What is the most helpful and accurate response?

"'Appropriate site' refers to the designated collection point established by the department for pharmaceutical waste; check with your supervisor for the specific location and any required documentation." (A) Signup and view all the answers

If the AE&S were to implement a new system of supply management based on real-time data from electronic patient care records, which section of EMS Procedure #7 would require revision to best integrate this change?

The PROCEDURE section, specifically the section on PHARMACEUTICAL AND ALS SUPPLY INVENTORY CONTROL, to detail how data from patient care records informs supply ordering and distribution. (A) Signup and view all the answers

EMS Procedure #7 outlines responsibilities primarily at the unit and AE&S levels. What additional measure could the Philadelphia Fire Department implement to foster individual accountability and improve compliance with the procedure's guidelines?

Incorporate EMS Procedure #7 into the annual performance evaluations of paramedics and Company Officers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What potential legal or regulatory ramifications could arise from a Medic Unit's failure to properly secure and manage controlled substances?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a scenario where the Philadelphia Fire Department transitions to a fully electronic inventory management system for all pharmaceutical and ALS supplies. What key modification(s) would be required within EMS Procedure #7 to ensure a seamless transition and maintain compliance?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In preparation for a large-scale public event, such as a marathon, the Philadelphia Fire Department anticipates a surge in demand for specific ALS medications like epinephrine and albuterol. What proactive measures, consistent with EMS Procedure #7, should be implemented to ensure adequate supply levels?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What scenario best illustrates a violation of the principle that each member is responsible for exercising appropriate control as dictated by their rank in the implementation of EMS Procedure #7?

A Company Officer fails to report a suspected theft of controlled substances from a Medic Unit. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A paramedic notices a trend of unusually high usage of a particular medication within their unit. What actions should the paramedic take, aligned with the principles of EMS Procedure #7, to address this observation?

Report the trend to their Company Officer and the Emergency Medical Control Officer (ES-4, ES-5) to investigate potential causes and implement corrective actions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical factor considered when AE&S conducts the inventory of controlled drugs and EMS equipment for each Medic Unit?

Maintenance of an accurate record of drug lot numbers and expiration dates. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of managing pharmaceutical and ALS supplies, what is the most significant implication of rotating stock to use the older date first?

It minimizes the risk of using expired medications or supplies, improving patient safety. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most essential reason for requiring Company Officers and paramedics to ensure access to all Medic Unit pharmaceutical and ALS supplies?

To ensure immediate availability of necessary supplies for patient care. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a paramedic identifies what they believe to be a discrepancy during the monthly inventory, what action aligns most closely with the principles of EMS Procedure #7?

Document the discrepancy, inform the Company Officer, and follow established reporting procedures. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How would the implementation of a department-wide electronic health record (EHR) system, integrating real-time medication administration data, most likely impact EMS Procedure #7?

It would necessitate revisions to incorporate data reconciliation processes and address potential discrepancies between physical and electronic records. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Purpose of the procedure

To maintain effective inventory control of pharmaceutical and advanced life support (ALS) supplies used in the Philadelphia Fire Department Emergency Medical Services Division.

AE&S

The Apparatus, Equipment, and Supply office of the EMS Division, and its assigned officers and staff.

ALS Supplies

Advanced life support supplies and accessories, which are non-durable or disposable in nature, used exclusively by ALS Medic units, and in most cases requiring medical authority to distribute.

Controlled Drugs (Narcotics)

Medications known to be a 'controlled substance' or a derivative of a controlled substance as defined by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which are administered to a patient during an ALS procedure.