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Board hears explanation after temporary restrictions on two schedule‑II drugs at Birkville rescue; chief says patient care continued
Summary
Supervisors were briefed on a personnel/procedural lapse at Birkville (Burford) Rescue that led the operational medical director to temporarily remove two schedule‑II medications from ambulances while inventory and responsible‑party paperwork were corrected; chief said other medications and services continued.
The board discussed a personnel and procedural matter affecting Birkville (Burford) Rescue after reports that a certified responsible party left the agency and two schedule‑II medications were temporarily removed from ambulances at the direction of the operational medical director (OMD).
Chief Schute and other emergency services presenters said the event began with a personnel meeting and the subsequent departure of an employee who had been designated the responsible party for controlled‑medication inventory. As a safety measure the OMD requested removal and secure storage of two schedule‑II drugs pending completion of inventory and responsible‑party paperwork. Chief Schute said two volunteers and other ALS‑certified staff can still administer medications and that "Drugs are still being administered" while the Board of Pharmacy paperwork to designate a new responsible party was filed.
Board members expressed concern that county leadership and the emergency coordinator were not informed earlier and urged better notification to supervisors when coverage or medication availability is affected. Supervisors asked staff to follow up and report back at a work session; some board members said mutual‑aid partners could be asked to back up coverage if necessary while the procedural matter is resolved.
Emergency services staff said no controlled substances were missing, the action was procedural to secure inventory and comply with DEA and pharmacy board requirements, and that patient care beyond the limited schedule‑II medications remained available through other protocols.
