If you have to call an ambulance, it is generally because of an emergent situation, one in which you leave your life in the hands of the responding paramedics. They are trained in what to do and what kind of medicines to give in the short time between the call and arriving to the hospital. When an investigation ensues into some of those ambulances, it can leave you feeling uneasy.

An article in St. Louis Today tells that a potent painkiller has been removed from all ambulances in the Metro East area due to unauthorized tampering. All EMS in the area were ordered to turn over their supplies of fentanyl, a strong painkiller. Dr. Savoy Brummer, a doctor at Memorial Hospital, has requested that all cases where fentanyl was administered to be documented for a two year period, between May 25, 2013 and May 25, 2015.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opiate, is used to help pain in patients who have built a resistance to morphine or similar pain medications. Fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. It can be mixed with heroine on the street to create a deadly combination and local law enforcement has been warned to watch for the mixture.

Hospitals are cooperating and have agreed to replace supplies and equipment.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of medical malpractice, contact your St. Louis medical malpractice attorneys today!