As of November 24th, 2014, Virginia EMS providers no longer need a physician's signature for IVs or for medication administration. ODEMSA's Regional OMD and Pharmacy Committee chairs, however, will still require a signature for the administration of controlled substances (Fentanyl, Versed, etc) or for any online medical control orders (basically, anything that isn't written in the ODEMSA protocols or your agency's specific protocols). It is also still an ODEMSA requirement to get a signature witnessing the wasting of controlled substances. Please continue to include a PPCR or MIVT inside the drug kit every time you exchange the box.

Before exchanging a drug box, please dispose of any used sharps and of any medications that you may have mixed or opened, even if you did not administer the medication to a patient. This helps our pharmacy staff stay safe and restock the box more efficiently so that it is ready for the next patient. 

In a recent regional prehospital data review, 25% of possible stroke patients did not have a glucose check documented. Always check and document a blood sugar, GCS, and the Cincinnati Stroke Scale on your neuro patients.

Health and Safety Tip of the Month

Do you use proper lifting techniques every time? We know to bend at the knees and hips, keep our backs straight, and lift with our legs. We often focus on strengthening our legs and arms for our job, but how much attention do you pay to your core? Core exercises that strengthen your back and abdominal muscles will also help protect your back and ensure a long, healthy career in EMS. Click here for a good exercise to strengthen your back. 

All meetings are open to the public.

The Central Virginia EMS Expo will be held February 28th-March 1st, 2015. Registration will open in January on the expo's website.  

 Register for CTS Testing