Monroe Fire Department seeks to expand on-scene medications; council asks staff to study IVs
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Summary
Monroe Fire Department, in partnership with Union EMS, proposed expanding the department's medication formulary (new drugs and nitrous oxide for pain) at an estimated startup cost just under $75,000; the council asked staff to plan funding in the coming budget and passed a motion to study what it would take for firefighters to administer IVs.
Chief Ron Fowler briefed the City Council that Monroe Fire Department has been working with Union EMS to identify ways to enhance prehospital care and emergency medical services on city fire apparatus.
Deputy Chief Travis Stigahl said Union EMS recommended expanding the department’s formulary to add several medications and equipment already within EMT-basic certification scope. Stigahl presented an implementation estimate of ‘‘just under $75,000’’ for start-up costs, with recurring annual expenses discussed in the meeting (estimates varied between roughly $1,600 and $6,000 depending on how supply and billing responsibilities are accounted for).
Why it matters: staff said the expansion would allow firefighters to provide additional immediate medications and pain management (including nitrous oxide) on scene, which could improve patient comfort and response capability between EMS unit arrivals.
Council questions focused on scope and training. Council member (Speaker 11) asked whether EMT-basic personnel can administer IV fluids; Chief Fowler said the department currently cannot start IVs at its existing certification level and that staff would research training requirements, frequency of need and operational implications. Fowler also said Union EMS would handle most medication replenishment, with billing returned to the patient where applicable.
Council consensus and motions: members discussed whether to fund full implementation now or include it in the next budget. Multiple council members signaled consensus to plan for the program in the coming budget and to purchase training units as appropriate; Council member (Speaker 2) moved and the council seconded a motion for staff to ‘‘look into the administration of IVs’’ for Monroe firefighters, and that motion was approved.
What’s next: staff will return to the public safety committee with information on training requirements, frequency of use, documentation workflows between records systems, and budget recommendations for a phased implementation.
