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Council OKs $9,011 from opioid-settlement funds for paramedic IV pumps, cases and suction unit
Summary
The council approved $9,011.05 from opioid-settlement funds to purchase two intravenous pumps (with protective cases), stat bags and a portable suction unit to support paramedic-level care on town ambulances; council also agreed to consider ongoing annual maintenance during the next budget process.
The Portsmouth Town Council approved a request from the fire chief to spend $9,011.05 from the town—s opioid-settlement allocation to purchase paramedic-level equipment for ambulance crews. The equipment requested includes two precision intravenous (IV) infusion pumps with cradle mounts and protective Pelican cases, three stat bags, and portable suction equipment intended to support advanced prehospital care, including opioid-overdose responses.
The chief told the council that as the department upgrades to paramedic-level response, infusion pumps provide precise metering of medications and can improve outcomes for patients beyond just the use of naloxone (Narcan). The request also included an annual maintenance agreement for the pumps; the council approved the first-year maintenance cost included in the requested total and agreed to consider ongoing maintenance costs during the regular budget process.
Council approved the funding unanimously (7-0). The chief noted an additional, modest inventory request of about $1,300 for initial paramedic medications; council agreed to address recurring supply and maintenance questions during budget discussions.
The motion directed staff to disburse opioid-settlement funds to purchase the equipment and to return to council with any ongoing maintenance needs as part of next year—s budget process.
