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Arkansas Ambulance Association
NATIONWIDE BACKORDERS ON FRONTLINE EMS DRUGS COULD AFFECT AMBULANCE SERVICES
The Section of EMS & Trauma Systems and major EMS medical supply vendors have alerted all ambulance services to a nationwide production backlog on frontline drugs such as Epi 1:10,000, atropine, lidocaine 2%, D50, and sodium bicarbonate. Extended backorders on these frontline drugs could affect EMS agencies' inventories in coming weeks.
IMS, a major supplier of these pharmaceuticals, exited the market in December 2009 giving only two weeks notice of is departure. Normally, such exit plans are announced 2 months in advance. Other manufacturers have been gearing up production but FDA approval procedures have resulted in a 6-8 week backlog in order fulfillment.
EMS seems to be finding itself well back in the pack when it comes to order fulfillment, behind other institutions like hospitals, VA medical centers, and the military. As part of the nation's public safety net, EMS agencies should be diligent in evaluating its current drug inventory and taking necessary steps to review its contingency plans anticipating 8+ week backorders on these items.
Ambulance services are encouraged to contact their vendors for specific information on how to handle orders and backorders. As additional information is available, we will post updates on this site.
The Section of EMS & Trauma Systems and major EMS medical supply vendors have alerted all ambulance services to a nationwide production backlog on frontline drugs such as Epi 1:10,000, atropine, lidocaine 2%, D50, and sodium bicarbonate. Extended backorders on these frontline drugs could affect EMS agencies' inventories in coming weeks.
IMS, a major supplier of these pharmaceuticals, exited the market in December 2009 giving only two weeks notice of is departure. Normally, such exit plans are announced 2 months in advance. Other manufacturers have been gearing up production but FDA approval procedures have resulted in a 6-8 week backlog in order fulfillment.
EMS seems to be finding itself well back in the pack when it comes to order fulfillment, behind other institutions like hospitals, VA medical centers, and the military. As part of the nation's public safety net, EMS agencies should be diligent in evaluating its current drug inventory and taking necessary steps to review its contingency plans anticipating 8+ week backorders on these items.
Ambulance services are encouraged to contact their vendors for specific information on how to handle orders and backorders. As additional information is available, we will post updates on this site.
**UPDATED** 12/10/2010
Major vendors report the backlog of EMS pharmaceuticals is easing somewhat due to increased production. Spotty backorders still exist, but supply chain distribution has improved.
June 9, 2010 9:00 AM CST
Major vendors report the backlog of EMS pharmaceuticals is easing somewhat due to increased production. Spotty backorders still exist, but supply chain distribution has improved.
June 9, 2010 9:00 AM CST