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Victoria Fire Department warns DEA delay could force removal of ambulance drug boxes, pause some ALS procedures
Summary
Fire Chief Frankie Tanner reported 105 responses in March; Assistant Chief Garrett said a pending DEA number is delaying the new drug-box policy and, if not resolved, would require removing drug boxes from ambulances and suspending ALS procedures.
Fire Chief Frankie Tanner told the council on April 8 that the department had 105 responses during March across Station 2 and Station 7 and that financial reports are currently one month behind because of a third-party agency.
Assistant Chief Garrett (first name not specified in the transcript) updated council on a new drug-box policy: the department completed the application process and passed a virtual inspection but is awaiting a DEA number. Garrett reported the delay has held the policy up for about six weeks; if the DEA number is not issued in time, ‘‘the drug boxes will have to be removed from the ambulances and ALS procedures will stop,’’ he said. Garrett told council he is working to resolve the matter and will keep the Town Manager apprised. Council approved the Fire/Rescue report by motion (moved by Councilmember Johnnie Brame, seconded by Councilmember Ronald Mattox; motion carried).
The transcript does not include a timeline for when a DEA number may be issued or a departmental contingency plan beyond the statement that removing drug boxes would force a pause in ALS procedures pending resolution.
