American Medical Response Assists in National Study on Ambulance Medication Storage.

Business/Health Editors & Medical Writers

AURORA, Colo.--(BW HealthWire)--June 25, 2001

In the first collaborative effort between U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP), the American Ambulance Association and the Department of Emergency Medicine at Upstate Medical University, American Medical Response (AMR) is participating in a nationwide study on the effect of temperature on medications carried on ambulances.

While the inside temperature of an ambulance can be regulated while the engine is running, when the engine is off the inside temperature is not easily controlled. The purpose of the study is to see if that has a negative effect on stored medications, and if it does, whether the problem can be easily corrected by the use of an insulated storage container limiting temperature variation. Final analysis from the year-long study which began this month is expected in November 2002.

"AMR is always trying to improve patient care," said Jack Edwards, AMR chief executive officer. "We're proud to participate in this study which could have a positive impact on medicine storage protocols."

The study is being conducted across the nation in cities with diverse climates. AMR locations participating in the study are based in Denver, Colorado; Topeka, Kansas; and Portland, Oregon. Other cities participating in the study are Syracuse, New York; Orlando, Florida; and Mesa, Arizona.

Approximately 30-50 million people are treated and transported by ambulance each year in the United States. As many as 800,000 receive medication before arriving at the hospital.

AMR is the nation's largest provider of emergency medical services and medical transport. AMR operates in 35 states and served more than four million patients last year.