Drug shortages continue throughout the region, as we receive additional reports of drugs in short supply. Most recently, hospital pharmacies reported insufficient stocks of epinepherine 1:10,000 pre-filled syringes Earlier shortages included sodium bicarbonate, amiodarone, promethazine, diazepam and midazolam.

To date, only one substitution has been made in the WVEMS regional drug boxes. midazolam replaced diazepam, however midazolam may be in short supply as well.

These shortages have been and continue to be sporadic and not necessarily region-wide. In some cases medications have been stocked in different concentrations (5mg/5ml or 5mg/ml of midazolam), or in fewer doses that normally stocked (for example, only 5 mg of midazolam or one 50 mEq prefilled of sodium bicarbonate).

If a drug has been removed from a box, or the number of doses has been reduced, there will be a warning label affixed to the exterior of that drug box. WVEMS is working with its Medical Direction and Pharmacy Committees to make recommendations for alternative drugs until normal supply has been restored.

Check your Drug Boxes for warning labels at the beginning of every shift. All Providers are cautioned to assume nothing. Please check and re-check every drug in the box before you used it. Ensure it is the correct drug, the correct dosage and concentration, and understand the delivery method. Look at packaging and labeling. Revisions in drug box stock may differ from hospital to hospital.

 Stay tuned to www.wvems.org for updates!

New classes are being announced starting in Spring, Summer and Fall.  Classes are ranging from EMT-Basic to Paramedic, ACLS, PALS and a variety of other training opportunities.  Check out our Upcoming Education and Events page to see the current offerings.

Also just listed is Natioanl Registry Advanced Level Psychomotor Examinations in the WVEMS region on July 28, 2012.

Are you offering a class and want it listed?  Send the information to your Field Coordinator (540.562.3482) and we will post it.

Looking for Continuing Education? Check out the WVEMS Calendar of Events.  Need CE in a certain Area?  Type the Area number into the search box, and all offerings of that area will be listed with location, times and contact information.

The long-awaited Protocol Project is in its final stages of development. The Protocol Workgroup has been meeting weekly and has completed the draft document. The document will now go to the OMDs in the WVEMS region for a final review, and then it's off for final formatting and printing. The plan is to offer a printed handbook as well as a smartphone app.

Work will continue to develop a roll-out education plan to implements these progressive protocols.THe goal of this project is to raise the standard of care in the region and provide our EMS providers and OMDs with a new, workable and visual protocol tool.

The Protocol Workgroup will post periodic updates to keep you abreast of the project as it nears completion.  For a sneak peak of what's to come, look here!