Audit finds secure storage and disposal but recommends policy, system upgrades for Las Vegas Fire Rescue controlled substances

Joe Throneberry, the city auditor’s senior forensic auditor, presented the Audit Office’s review of Las Vegas Fire Rescue’s controlled substance inventory management on July 21, 2025. The review found controlled substances were stored securely and expired medicines were disposed of and documented, but identified four areas for improvement, including inconsistent policy versions, limitations of the ImageTrend case management configuration, procurement reconciliation gaps and reliance on manual logbooks.

The audit matters because controlled substances such as fentanyl, ketamine and midazolam (Versed) are used in emergency care but carry risks of diversion; robust controls and reliable tracking reduce the risk to patients and the city. Throneberry said the audit evaluated alignment with Drug Enforcement…