POLICY STATEMENT:

The BroMenn/St. Joseph EMS Systems consider substance abuse (drug dependency and/or alcoholism) to be a health problem, and it will assist an EMS System member who becomes dependent on alcohol and/or drugs. The BroMenn/St. Joseph EMS Systems and ultimately Systems' patients, will suffer the adverse effects of having a pre-hospital care provider whose performance is below acceptable standards. Any respective EMS System member whose substance abuse problems jeopardize the delivery, performance or activities in the care of an EMS System patient requiring medical care, shall be subject to disciplinary action by their EMS Medical Director.

GOAL/PURPOSE:

To insure competent patient care and safety by identifying pre-hospital providers with substance abuse problems and assisting the provider in seeking treatment and/or removal of the provider from the patient care environment.

POLICY/PROCEDURE:

A. Any pre-hospital care provider as a member of either EMS System who voluntarily requests assistance with a personal substance abuse problem shall be referred directly to their EMS Medical Director for an evaluation and referral for treatment when necessary.

B. Any pre-hospital care provider as a member of either EMS System who is suspect to have a personal substance abuse problem and who is suspect of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, while in the provision of emergency care shall be referred to their EMS Medical Director for an evaluation and referral for treatment when necessary.

C. The BroMenn/St. Joseph EMS Systems DO NOT require EMS System members to submit to blood and/or urine testing for alcohol and/or drug use.

D. If the respective EMS Medical Director has determined that the individual, within reasonable medical certainty, is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs while in provision of emergency care, and whose performance is below acceptable standards, shall be subject to disciplinary action.